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 Blakenhall moated site. It contains a raised island
c.57m square upon which stands the early 17th century Blakenhall farmhouse.
Surrounding the island on three sides is a dry moat up to 10m wide at the base
and 2.5m deep. The moat's western arm has been infilled. Access to the island
is through a 17th century gatehouse and across a brick bridge spanning the
southern arm.
Blakenhall was the principal seat of the Minor family who appear in
documentary sources during the reigns of King John (1199-1216) and Henry III
(1216-72). The house subsequently passed through various families including
Chippendale c.1600, Bromfield c.1650, Webb c.1700, Whittaker around the late
18th century, and Larkham after this. Blakenhall farmhouse and the gatehouse
are both Listed Buildings Grade II.
Blakenhall farmhouse, the gatehouse, a garage, outbuildings, all fences,
walls, driveways, pathways, service pipes, inspection chambers and an oil
storage tank are excluded from the scheduling, although the ground beneath all
these features is included.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
22438
Legacy System:
RSM
Sources
Books and journals 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
