Moated Lodge with associated water channels and fishpond at Quorndon

Overview

Location

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 moated site at Quorndon and adjoining complex of water channels survive in good condition. The remains of the building which formerly occupied the moat will survive and the site provides conditions for the survival of organic remains in its waterlogged fishpond.

Details

The moated site at Quorndon is situated on a tributary of the River Soar which flows through low-lying ground south of the village. It also includes a fishpond and a series of water channels. A watermill stood to the north of the site, outside the protected area, the mill leat running to the east.

The rectangular moated site is situated on the eastern bank of the stream and measures 90m x 80m in overall dimensions. The moat arms vary between 8m-12m in width and are about 1.5m deep with outer banks evident on all sides except the north. The moat island measures 40m x 50m and contains a series of irregular earthworks which have the appearance of building foundations. On the southern and western side are several feeder channels connecting the moat with the stream, those on the south consisting of a complex system of channels, some of which are embanked up to 0.75m. To complement this, two wide outflow channels run from the north side of the moat taking the flow of water back to the stream. To the east of the moat is an area which is now totally waterlogged but which contained a fishpond measuring approximately 80m x 25m.

The moated site was the lodge for the northern subdivision of Quorn Park built shortly after 1273.

MAP EXTRACT The site of the monument is shown on the attached map extract.

Legacy

The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.

Legacy System number:

17073

Legacy System:

RSM

Sources

Books and journals
Hartley, R F, The Medieval Earthworks of Central Leicestershire, (1989), 11,25

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 Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.