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 Clapton Hall includes a stirrup-shaped moated site and
fishpond situated on an east facing slope overlooking the River Chelmer, 2.5km
south of Great Dunmow church. The moated site measures 72m NE-SW by 60m NW-SE.
The arms are now dry and measure a maximum of 11m in width and approximately
2m in depth. The north-western arm was constructed to incorporate a stream
which has now dried up. The surface of the island is uneven indicating the
presence of buried remains of earlier structures. 20m north of the moated site
is a sub-rectangular shaped fishpond which was once connected to the moat by
the stream. It is now dry and measures 70m NE-SW by 32m NW-SE and is
approximately 1m deep.
The name Clapton comes from the family of William de Clopton who is first
mentioned in 1345.
The small area of concrete yard that extends into the area of the
scheduling behind the present Clapton Hall is excluded from the scheduling,
though the ground beneath it is included.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
20720
Legacy System:
RSM
Sources
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
