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 the moated site of the original Shotwick Hall and
includes an island and moat occupied by a coppice known as Moat Plantation.
The island measures c.25m x 32m, is raised c.0.5m above the level of the
surrounding fields, and is occupied by established trees and newly planted
saplings. Surrounding the island is a largely silted moat c.10m wide x 1.5m
deep vegetated with grass, nettles and some scrub. A narrow inlet/outlet
channel links the W corner of the moat to the present field drainage system
while a more substantial waterlogged/silted channel enters the NE arm of the
moat close to the N corner. Outer banks c.6m wide exist along the NE and SE
arms of the moat.
The original Shotwick Hall was burned down c.1620 and a new hall constructed
150m to the E.
All fences and hedges are excluded from the scheduling, however, the ground
beneath them is included.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
13454
Legacy System:
RSM
Sources
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
