Moat House 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.

Despite the overgrown appearance of the site the original form of the monument's earthworks is still clearly evident. Remains of the original buildings which occupied the island will survive whilst the surrounding moat retains conditions suitable for the preservation of organic remains.

Details

The monument is a moated site located at the foot of rising ground in undulating landscape. The site includes a raised wooded island measuring c.43m x 40m upon which are the overgrown foundations of a cottage and outhouse demolished about 1940. Surrounding the island is a predominantly waterlogged/boggy moat 7.5-9m wide x 1-1.5m deep. Access to the island is via a low causeway on the E side. The monument is unexcavated. All fences are excluded from the scheduling, although the ground beneath them is included.

MAP EXTRACT The site of the monument is shown on the attached map extract.

Legacy

The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.

Legacy System number:

13470

Legacy System:

RSM

Sources

Other
Mr Bibby (Site Owner), To Robinson, K.D. MPPFW, (1990)
PRN NO. 189, Staffordshire SMR, Essington Moat: Essington,
Darvill, T., MPP Single Monument Class Description - Moats, (1988)

End of official list entry

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