Clavering's Farm moated site

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 Clavering's Farm is well preserved and will retain archaeological information relating to its occupation. The waterfilled ditches will also retain environmental information pertaining to the economy of the inhabitants and the landscape in which they lived.

Details

The monument at Clavering's Farm includes a rectangular moated site situated on a north-facing slope overlooking the Bourne Brook, 1.7km south of Greenstead Green church. The moated site measures 77m north-south by a maximum of 65m east-west with moat arms averaging 10m in width and 2m in depth. The north- east and north-west corners of the moat have been enlarged to form cattle watering places. The arms are kept waterfilled by a spring. A brick built bridge, 4m wide, gives access to the island across the northern arm of the moat. The island is occupied by a 17th century house which is Listed Grade II. The monument has been identified as that associated with John de Claryngg in 1327. The house, shed, bridge and driveway are all excluded from the scheduling though the ground beneath them is included.

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:

20732

Legacy System:

RSM

Sources

Books and journals
Reaney, PH, Place names of Essex, (1935), 436-437

End of official list entry

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