Reasons for Designation
Around 6000 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 or, in some cases, which were used for horticulture.
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.
Whomerley Wood moat is a very fine example of a double island site,
surviving in excellent condition. The ditches are partially water-
logged. The site is considered to have great potential for the
preservation of archaeological and environmental deposits, both within
the ditches and on the island. Small-scale excavations and a survey have
confirmed the interpretation of the site, whilst historical records have
identified the moat as the home of the de Homilies.
Details
The monument includes the well-preserved remains of a medieval moat and
its associated outworks. The moat measures some 73m. across and is
roughly square in form. The surrounding ditch measures between 5 and
10m. across and is some 1.5m. deep. The ditch still retains water on the
north and west sides. An entrance causeway crosses the ditch at the
north-west corner. An inner and outer bank are visible on either side of
the ditch which are truncated in places, perhaps due to the limited
excavations of 1924 and 1953. The interior is very uneven and may once
have contained various structural features. There is a water filled
pond just inside the entrance. The narrow entrance causeway leads to a
second moated enclosure to the north-west which is also surrounded by a
5m. wide ditch and which may have been constructed to strengthen the
defences around the entrance.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
11515
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
