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 is the moated site of Maghull Manor. It includes a slightly
raised rectangular island measuring c.80m by 60m that is flanked on its
eastern and northern sides and around the north-west corner by a waterlogged
moat 1.4m deep to the water level and up to 21m wide on the northern side and
8m wide on the eastern side. Elsewhere the moat has been infilled. A
waterlogged outlet channel issues from the moat's north-west corner. Access
to the island is by a causeway on the eastern side.
The building that occupied the island is thought to have been demolished
during the late 18th century when the present Manor House was built to the
south-west of the moated site. Brick and sandstone foundations, a stone-lined
well, fragments of burnt daub, floor tile and medieval pottery were found on
the island after shallow ploughing in the late 1970's.
All fences, walls, paths, and a brick and sandstone folly at the island's
north-east corner are excluded from the scheduling, although the ground
beneath these features is included.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
22446
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
