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 comprises an attractive and well maintained moated site, the
island of which is occupied by Peel Hall, its outbuildings and lawns. The
island measures c.35m square and is raised above the level of the
surrounding fields. It is surrounded by a spring-fed waterlogged moat c.9m
max. width x 1.8m deep that has been lined with a sandstone wall. The moat
widens close to the N corner where provision was made for cattle watering.
There are two bridges affording access, that across the NW arm is of
sandstone and brick, while the bridge across the SW arm has ornate pinnacled
cast-iron posts. The monument has been landscaped with the addition of an
ornamental circular island with access via a footbridge close to the W
corner.
Peel Hall was the ancient seat of the Ardernes family but was burnt down
sometime after 1663. A new house was built and this in turn was replaced by
the present structure c.1840.
Both bridges and the sandstone wall lining the moat are Grade II Listed.
The hall and its outbuildings; both bridges and the sandstone wall lining
the moat; a path from the bridge over the SW arm to the hall; and all fences
and walls flanking the monument are excluded from the scheduling. The
ground beneath all these features, however, is included.
The ornamental island in the moat is included as any works on it will disturb
other remains in the moat. The footbridge which allows access to it is
excluded.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
13461
Legacy System:
RSM
Sources
Books and journals 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
