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 at North Park Farm is a moated site built into a natural south-
facing slope and it includes a rectangular platform enclosed by a single dry
moat which has water channels connected to it.
The island measures 50m east-west and 30m north-south. The northern arm of
the moat is 11m wide and 3.5m to 4m deep. The eastern and western arms are 10m
wide and 3m deep. The southern arm is 10m wide and 1.5m deep. An earthen bank
lies immediately outside the moat on its south and east sides: this bank is 1m
high and 5m wide.
At the north western corner of the moat an associated channel runs northwards
from the moat. It is 25m long, 6m wide and up to 1m deep. To the west of the
moat another channel runs in a westerly direction for 40m. It is 5m wide and
0.75m deep. This feature is considered either to be a silted fishpond which
drained into the moat or the southern arm of a second moated enclosure.
Traces of medieval agriculture, evidenced by ridge and furrow, are visible to
the south west of the moat. These do not survive sufficiently well to merit
their inclusion in the scheduling.
The moated site was originally owned by the Crown. It was dug between 1334 and
1335. During the 14th century the island had a number of buildings upon it
including a hall, chapel, kitchen and stable.
A brick shed which stands within the northern part of the site is excluded
from the scheduling but the ground beneath it is included.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
21199
Legacy System:
RSM
Sources
Books and journals
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
