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 includes a well preserved double moated site with an additional
moated arm on the E side.
The site includes a raised grassy island measuring c.52m x 48m surrounded by
a wet inner moat c.10m wide x 4.5m max. depth, beyond which is a flat-topped
intermediate bank c.9m wide on the W side and 18m wide on the E. A wet outer
moat c.10m wide x 4m max. depth surrounds these features. A dry channel
issues from the SE corner of the inner moat and, cutting into the intermediate
bank, connects with the outer moat. On the E side two external banks are
separated by a waterlogged third moated arm c.7m wide which runs the full
length of the monument. External banks also exist on the S, W and N sides,
the former measuring c.8m wide x 0.5m high being the most prominent.
The monument at Blithewood is largely undisturbed; however, a small excavation
in 1846 found chain armour and medieval leather shoes. All fence posts along
the E edge of the monument 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:
13467
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
