Blakenhall moated site

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 monument at Blakenhall survives well and is a good example of a medieval moated manor house. The site has been occupied continuously for 800 years and remains of the earlier manor house will exist beneath the present farmhouse and upon the island.

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.

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:

22438

Legacy System:

RSM

Sources

Books and journals
The Victoria History of the County of Staffordshire: Volume I, (1908), 358
Shaw, S, History of Staffordshire, (1801), 116-7

Other
Darvill, T., MPP Single Monument Class Descriptions - Moats, (1988)
DOE, List of Buildings of Historic & Architectural Interest,
DOE, List of Buildings of Historic & Architectural Interest,
SMR No 930, Staffs SMR, Blakenhall : Barton-under-Needwood,

End of official list entry

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