Moated site at Stapleton

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 Stapleton survives in good condition and was originally one of two in the same area. The moat island will contain evidence of the development of the manor house and associated buildings.

Details

The monument at Stapleton consists of a square moated site situated on the north side of the village, 4km north of Hinckley. The moated site measures 65 x 70m in overall dimensions with a ditch, water- filled to a shallow depth, fed by a stream which flows east-west on the north side. The arms measure an average of 12m wide and an outer bank on the west side measures 10m wide and about 1m high. A survey carried out in 1960 shows an access point on the eastern side which does not exist today. The moat was originally one of two, the second being of similar dimensions lying in close proximity to the north. It has suffered badly from ploughing activity and is not considered to be of national importance.

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:

17059

Legacy System:

RSM

Sources

Books and journals
Page, W, The Victoria History of the County of Leicestershire: Volume I, (1907)

End of official list entry

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