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.
The moated complex at Upend Wood is a particularly early site dating to
the 11th century. It survives in excellent condition and displays a
diversity of features including a fishpond and outer enclosure. The
significance of the site is increased by its apparent Royal association
with Bishop Odo, brother of William the Conqueror.
Details
The monument includes a Medieval moated complex believed to be the site
of an early 11th century Royal manor. The monument survives in very good
condition. The moated site is irregular in shape with external
dimensions of approximately 105m by 180m inclusive of the 8-12m wide dry
surrounding moat. An external bank flanks the east arm, with sections
of an inner bank surviving along the south-west and south-east arms. A
10m long leat runs from the centre of the enclosure into the south arm.
A 20m section of the west arm may have been backfilled when the adjacent
field pond was constructed. The interior of the moated island is level
with occasional scatters of stone visible on the surface. The north-east
angle of the moat is enlarged to form a rectangular pond, measuring some
30m by 20m. The pond is considered to be the remains of a contemporary
fishpond. A triangular ancillary enclosure is attached to the south-
east angle of the moat, measuring some 50m by 30m in external
dimensions. Adjacent to the east arm of the moat are the remains of an
outer moated enclosure. The enclosure is rectangular in shape measuring
some 125m by 30m and is defined by a 6m wide moat to the east and by the
moated enclosure and triangular enclosure to the south and west. The
north side is defined by a leat or drain. Entrance to the outer
enclosure is provided by a 3m wide causeway at its south-east corner. A
small mound measuring 5m across and over 2m high is located immediately
inside the causeway and may be the location of a defensive building or
structure. An inner bank also protects the south and east ends of the
enclosure at this point.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
11559
Legacy System:
RSM
Sources
Books and journals 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
