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.
The moated site to the south east of Low Hall, is well preserved. The monument will retain valuable information relating to its layout and also its construction, use and abandonment. This monument adds to our understanding of medieval society and economy. It was clearly a high status medieval site and its well preserved condition adds to the importance of this monument.
Details
This monument includes the remains of a medieval moated site situated on the Wold top to the south east of the village of Etton within the former parkland of Low Hall. The moated site, roughly rectangular in shape includes a central platform some 50m by 35m surrounded a flat-bottomed moat ditch up to 8m wide with an outer bank. Because of the position within the landscape, this moat ditch was probably designed to be a dry ditch. Further earthwork features in the surrounding area have not been assessed for designation and are not included in the monument.
Documentary sources indicate that the monument was the site of the De Etton family manor. Partial excavation during the 1970s revealed 12th to 15th century remains.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
ER 188
Legacy System:
RSM - OCN
End of official list entry
