Netherthorpe moated site

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 Netherthorpe site has a water-filled moat, in which organic and palaeoenvironmental material will survive. It has never been excavated and undisturbed deposits survive on the island and are expected to contain the foundations of buildings and a revetment wall.

Details

Netherthorpe moat comprises a rectangular island, measuring 40m north-south and 50m east-west, surrounded by a water-filled moat crossed by a modern causeway at the north-west corner. Except at the north-east corner where it widens considerably, the moat is c.10m wide and is fed at present from the Bondhay Dyke. Limestone blocks found on the island, particularly along the northern edge, suggest the island was walled on this side. Late medieval pottery has also been found on the site. In the sixteenth century, Netherthorpe was referred to as being `formerly of the dissolved priory of Warsope'.

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:

13226

Legacy System:

RSM

Sources

Books and journals
Le Patourel, H E J, The Moated Sites of Yorkshire, (1973)

Other
Public Records Office (Pag: 488), Catalogue of Ancient Deeds, (1915)

End of official list entry

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