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 moated site NW of Mill Hill House Farm includes a slightly
irregularly-shaped moat averaging 1m deep and a nearly square island
c.42m x 38m which is defined by the moat.
Most moats were constructed between 1250-1350 and are generally seen as
the prestigious residences of the Lords of the manor. The moat in such
circumstances marked the high status of the occupier, but also served to
deter casual raiders and wild animals.
The moat NW of Mill Hill House Farm is presently dry although heavy rain
accumulates in the S arm. Ridge and furrow runs to the outer edge of
the ditch all around the site and has obliterated any evidence of an
outer bank.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
13418
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
