Stratton Park moated enclosure and associated manorial earthworks

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 understanding the distribution of wealth and status in the countryside. Many examples provide conditions favourable to the survival of organic remains. This site includes a fine example of a Bedfordshire moated enclosure, importantly associated with the well-preserved remains of contemporary manorial out-works and building platforms.

Details

The monument includes the remains of a medieval moated enclosure and adjacent manorial complex. The almost square moated site measures 84m across and is surrounded by a 13m wide moat which is about 1.5m deep and partially water-filled. Part of an outer bank can be seen along the northern arm of the moat. Entrance to the interior is on the south side across a 2m wide causeway. The flat island is slightly raised above the surrounding land. There are no visible remains of internal buildings or features. The moat is identified with the original medieval manor of Stratton, but was replaced as the main residence when the lord of the manor moved to nearby Stratton Park House in the 16th century. Adjacent to the east side of the moat are the remains of a complex network of hollow-ways, fields and platforms. These survive as well-defined earthworks, often up to 1m. in height and are interpreted as the sites of contemporary manorial out-works comprising of horticultural plots and out- house buildings associated with the moated site.

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:

11541

Legacy System:

RSM

Sources

Books and journals
Simco, A, Stratton, Biggleswade, (1986)

Other
P.A.S., Ordnance Survey Records (1972), (1972)

End of official list entry

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