Moated site north-west of Broadoak Farm

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 survives well and remains largely unencumbered by modern development. Limited excavation on the island has revealed artefacts and structural remains dating from the 14th to the 18th centuries and further evidence of the medieval and post-medieval buildings will survive. Additionally organic material will be preserved within the waterlogged moat.

Details

The monument is the moated site north-west of Broadoak Farm, also known as Torkington Moat. The site includes a raised island measuring some 46m by 43m that is surrounded by a waterlogged moat varying between 8m and 20m wide and 1.6m deep to the water level. Access to the island is by a modern wooden bridge situated at the mid-point of the southeastern arm where the moat is at its narrowest. The Torkington family were first mentioned in documents dating to c.1200. A manor house existed in Torkington by 1350. Further reference to a manor house at Torkington is found in the Chester Forestry Proceedings of 1363. This states that John de Legh cleared woodland prior to constructing a manor house consisting of two chambers and a kitchen surrounded by a moat. The house was abandoned around the beginning of the 16th century. Torkington Hall was constructed on the moated site during the early 17th century. Limited excavation on the island identified three phases of activity, all involving timber structures. Artefacts found included medieval pottery, 14th or 15th century roof tiles, and post-medieval clay pipes, pottery and nails. The wooden bridge, all fences, cabins, angling stations and service pipes are excluded from the scheduling. The ground beneath all these features, however, 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:

13520

Legacy System:

RSM

Sources

Books and journals
Yendley, C, Broad Oak Moat Torkington, (1983)
Price, J V, Country Houses of Greater Manchester in Country Houses of Greater Manchester, Vol. 2, (1985)

Other
Pagination 5, Darvill, T., MPP Single Monument Class Descriptions - Moats, (1988)

End of official list entry

All text content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0 , except where otherwise stated. Any supplied maps are © Crown Copyright [and database rights] 2026 OS AC0000815036 and may not be reproduced without permission.

Print the official list entry