Moated site and associated remains, west of Hooks Green 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 moat has a particular significance through its close association with the contemporary deserted medieval settlement at nearby Clothall. Extensive related remains of buildings around the moat as well as horticultural earthworks and ditches indicate that settlement at this site developed in importance through time.

Details

The monument includes a trapezoidal moated site and associated earthworks near the crest of Hickmans Hill, Clothall. The moat is aligned east-west with a single causeway facing south. The site has maximum external dimensions of about 90m and tapers to 60m on the western side. The moat is up to 5m wide and 1.5m deep and although not water filled shows signs of dampness. There is also a dry feeder channel 18m long connecting with a fishpond on the north-west corner of the moat. The moat is surrounded by an outer bank on all but the southern side. Opposite the entrance on the north-western side of the island is an area of uneven ground which marks structural evidence for earlier buildings. A low terrace platform about 8m wide extends along the eastern side of the moat. In the field east of the moat are a series of features including a linear earthwork 0.5m high and 6m wide. There are also a number of ditches crossing the field which form an integral part of the water management complex.

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:

11517

Legacy System:

RSM

Sources

Other
Title: RCHM Survey Source Date: 1910 Author: Publisher: Surveyor:

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