Moated site south of Eastwick Hall 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.

The moat is a fine example of a single island site' surviving in very good condition. With its water-logged ditches and undisturbed interior, the moat has good potential for the preservation of archaeological and environmental remains. The moat forms one of a pair of well-preserved moats, located on either side of the valley, at Eastwick.

Details

The monument consists of the' well-preserved remains of a Medieval moated enclosure. The moat forms a rectangle, measuring 80m. by 70m. in maximum dimension, with the southern side defined by a slight scarp. The other three sides are formed by a broad 15m wide ditch measuring 1.5m. deep in places. The north-west arm of the moat is water filled and fed by a small stream. A low outer bank surrounds the complete lengths of ditch. The surface of the island is uneven indicating the potential presence of internal buildings and structures. Parallel to the site on the south-west side is an oblong pond considered to be associated with the moat.

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:

11520

Legacy System:

RSM

Sources

Books and journals
TEHAS in TEHAS, Vol. 11, (1940)

End of official list entry

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