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 situated on the floodplain of the River
Cam, 100m south of Freemans Farm, Elder Street, and 1km north of the Harcamlow
Way. It comprises a trapezoidal area measuring a maximum of 60m east-west by
50m north-south. The arms are waterfilled and are 8m in average width. A
causeway 10m in width in the north-eastern corner is considered to be
original. The island is level and raised about 0.3m above the surrounding
ground level. A ditch 4m wide extends from the north-eastern corner and
connects with the field drainage system, now piped underground, which fed the
farm pond 65m north. The moated site is known as the kitchen garden and is
considered to have always been used for horticultural purposes.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
20687
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
