Moated site 300m north-east of Potterne Park Farm

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.

Although a large number of moated sites are known, relatively few survive in Wiltshire. This example is particularly important as it survives well, has high potential for the recovery of archaeological and structural remains as well as displaying good historical documentation.

Details

The monument includes a square moated site 300m north-east of Potterne Park Farm. It survives as a well-preserved dry homestead moat aligned WNW-ESE and situated on level ground. The site has maximum external dimensions of 70m square. The island measures 50m square and is bounded by an earthen bank 8m wide and 0.8m high. The arms of the moat average 8m in width and 1.5m in depth. The entrance is centrally placed in the north-west arm but there is no causeway over the moat which must once have been bridged. No traces of a building are visible on the island. The water level in the moat is maintained by natural surface collection. The moat is considered to be the site of the Keeper's Lodge of the Bishop of Salisbury's Park.

MAP EXTRACT The site of the monument is shown on the attached map extract. It includes a 2 metre boundary around the archaeological features, considered to be essential for the monument's support and preservation.

Legacy

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

Legacy System number:

12043

Legacy System:

RSM

Sources

Books and journals
Pugh, RB, Crittall, E, The Victoria History of the County of Wiltshire, (1953), 208,213

Other
Dennison, E and Darvill, T, HBMC Monument Class Description - Moats, 1988,

End of official list entry

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