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 moated site at Allexton lies south of the Eye Brook, to the north of the
small village of Allexton and within sight of the church. Substantial
earthworks of the south and west arms of the moat survive.
The surviving moated area measures approximately 80m north-south, and 50m
east-west. The moat arms are about 14m wide and up to 2m deep. The western arm
is not quite as deep and displays an outer bank. There is an entrance causeway
near the south-west corner. Documentary sources reveal that the bridge was
present as early as 1297 and that the 13th century moat had a house and
garden, although no evidence of above ground structures are present on the
island today.
The eastern boundary of the site lies along the old fence line, the more
modern fences (of post and wire type) are excluded from the scheduling
although the ground beneath them is included.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
17017
Legacy System:
RSM
Sources
Books and journals
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
