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
Silvington Manor moated site lies on the west side of the village, adjacent to
the church of St Michael. The monument consists of a double moated site. The
larger of the moat islands is rectangular and enclosed on three sides by a
ditch approximately 15m wide and from 1.5m to 2.5m deep. The fourth arm on
the east side may have been infilled to accommodate Manor Farm which now
occupies part of the island. Close to the south west corner of the moat,
remains of a stone revetment can be seen and some stonework is also visible
on the north east corner of the ditch. There is an outer bank, 2m high and
10-12m wide, on the north side of the north moat arm, where the land slopes
away towards Silvington Brook. The moat island, 45m x 30m, is slightly raised
above the level of the surrounding land and on its eastern side stands Manor
Farm which is a Grade II listed building.
The farmhouse has a 14th century inscription on the south wall and much of
the fabric is considered to be medieval with 19th century additions.
A smaller moat enclosure is attached to the north west corner of the fish
moat. It is sub-rectangular in shape measuring 40m x 25m internally with
ditches 5 - 10m wide. The ditches do not connect directly with those of the
larger moat and there is a causeway about 5m wide at the north east corner.
It appears to have been used as an orchard.
The lands of Silvington are documented as having been held by the Abbey of St
Remigius at Rheims from the 12th century. The Prior at Lapley represented the
Abbey in England and Silvington was held nominally under him until the early
15th century when many foreign owners were banished. There is historical
evidence for a succession of tenants and owners who held the manor in the
medieval and post-medieval periods, including the de Beysin and de Hawkstone
families in the 13th century.
The Manor farmhouse, all farm outbuildings, out-houses and made up paths are
excluded from the scheduling, but the ground below these features, is
included in the scheduling.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
13681
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
