Pinfolds were designed to hold stray animals until their owners paid a fine for their release.
They would have been a feature of all medieval villages, although this one dates from the 18th century.
Restoration work was done in 2011
Osmotherley Pinfold
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I take it, that in the past it also had a door/gate on it and we are not talking here about dogs and pets but stray cattle, horses etc.?
Correct David H and from Wiki ;
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_pound .
There is a surname, Pinfold/Penfold. Probably descends from this system?
Brotton had a Pinfold. A car showroom was built on it in the 60s and now it is a shop and flats called ‘The Pinfold’