Peel Moat

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 monument survives well and remains unencumbered by modern development. Documentary evidence indicates a fortified tower occupied the site and further remains of structures visible on the island at the end of the 19th century will exist. Additionally the waterlogged moat will preserve organic material.

Details

The monument is the moated site of Peel Hall. The site includes a slightly raised island measuring some 26m by 24m that possesses low earthworks towards the northern end. Surrounding the island is a moat up to 2m deep and measuring 6-12m wide on three sides and 18m wide on the east side. The moat is waterlogged on all sides except the east where it has partially dried out. An outlet channel some 25m long issues from the moat's southwestern corner. Access to the island is by a low causeway at the island's southeast corner. An outer bank 4m wide and 0.2m high flanks the moat's northern arm. Local tradition has it that the site was sacked by Cromwell's troops during the Civil War. Documentary sources describe the monument as having a square fortified tower. Remains of stone and brick foundations on the island were in evidence during the late 19th century. The drains and inspection chamber in the SW corner of the monument are included in the scheduling as any works on them may cause archaeological disturbance.

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:

13521

Legacy System:

RSM

Sources

Books and journals
Reid, D, Thoughts on Peel Moat A History of the Heatons, (), 2-5
Crofton, H T, Trans Lancs & Chesh Antiq Soc in Trans Lancs and Chesh Antiq Soc, Vol. 3, (1885), 192-4

Other
Capstick, B, AM 107 (1987),
Darvill, T, MPP Single Monument Class Descriptions - Moats, (1989)
SMR No. 64/1/0, Gt Manchester SMR, Peel Moat, (1989)

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