Moat and hut circle at Glen Parva

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 at Glen Parva survives well with below ground remains confirmed by limited excavations. Evidence of prehistoric occupation was also discovered.

Details

The monument at Glen Parva is situated on the north bank of the River Sence to the south of Leicester and includes a medieval moated site and below ground prehistoric occupation features. The moated site is dry and measures approximately 50m x 38m in overall dimensions including an outer bank 6m wide and 1m high situated on the southern side. The moat arms are up to 1.5m deep and 8m wide. In the centre of the moat island is a 1.5m high pillar of mortared granite which is the remains of a wall of unknown date. The earthworks of close boundaries to the west do not survive well and are not included in the scheduling. Limited excavation of the northern part of the moat island revealed medieval features, mostly mud walls in a rectangular plan. Also found were a cobbled area, an oven and a series of post holes which define a circular hut. Pottery found on the site has shown these latter features to be of Bronze Age date. The adjacent Manor Restaurant is a Grade II Listed Building and is outside the area of the scheduling. It dates from the late 16th or early 17th century.

MAP EXTRACT The site of the monument is shown on the attached map extract. It includes a 2 metre boundary around the archaeological features, considered to be essential for the monument's support and preservation.

Legacy

The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.

Legacy System number:

17106

Legacy System:

RSM

Sources

Books and journals
Hartley, R F, The Medieval Earthworks of Central Leicestershire, (1989), 57, 64
Liddle, P, Leicestershire Archaeology: The Present State of Knowledge, (1982), 18-19

End of official list entry

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