Reasons for Designation
Around 6,000 moated sites are known in England. They consist of wide ditches,
often or seasonally water-filled, partly or completely enclosing one or more
islands of dry ground on which stood domestic or religious buildings. In some
cases the islands were used for horticulture. The majority of moated sites
served as prestigious aristocratic and seigneurial residences with the
provision of a moat intended as a status symbol rather than a practical
military defence. The peak period during which moated sites were built was
between about 1250 and 1350 and by far the greatest concentration lies in
central and eastern parts of England. However, moated sites were built
throughout the medieval period, are widely scattered throughout England and
exhibit a high level of diversity in their forms and sizes. They form a
significant class of medieval monument and are important for the understanding
of the distribution of wealth and status in the countryside. Many examples
provide conditions favourable to the survival of organic remains.
Details
The monument includes a moated site and associated earthworks
situated adjacent to and to the east of Wood Lane. The moat, which
measures c.115m east-west by 100m north-south, is trapezoidal and
aligned WNW-ESE with a causeway to the west. The ditch varies between
10 and 15m in width, has an average depth of 1.5m and encloses an
island some 75m square. A pronounced inner bank (c.1.2m high)
encloses a level interior with vague depressions and banks,
interpreted as representing the location of the foundations of a
large manor house. Low earthworks, visible on the ground and on
aerial photographs, demonstrate the survival of archaeological
remains of activities associated with, but outside, the moat. The
site is thought to be that of a manor held as a temporary residence
from 1252 AD but has also been traditionally associated with the
Palace of Richard, Earl of Cornwall.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
12030
Legacy System:
RSM
Sources
Books and journals Other
Legal
This monument is scheduled under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 as amended as it appears to the Secretary of State to be of national importance. This entry is a copy, the original is held by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
End of official list entry
