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.
Story Moats is one of the best-preserved moated sites in Bedfordshire.
The site is of particular importance as an excellent example of a water-
management complex comprising ponds, leats and moat. The site has
excellent potential for the preservation of both wet and dry
archaeological deposits.
Details
The monument includes the remains of a medieval moated enclosure and
associated outer enclosures, drainage leats and ponds. The moat is sub-
square in shape measuring 100m across including the surrounding ditches
which measure up to 25m wide. A small projection at the south-west corner
of the island may mark the site of the original entrance. Modern access
to the island is provided by a 2m wide causeway near the centre of the
east arm. The island measures some 50m across and has no upstanding
remains of earlier buildings or features except for a low spread bank
along the north-east side. Part of an outer bank can be seen along the
north-west side and north angle.
The moat is central to a complex series of outworks, thought to be
fishponds and water management works. These include a trapeziodal shaped
enclosure adjacent to the north-west side of the moat defined by banks,
ditches and a pond. The enclosure contains two small fishponds as well
as scarp slopes and banks which sub-divide the interior. Adjacent to the
north and north-east sides of the moated enclosure are a further series
of ponds, leats and earthworks which inter-connect to form a related
series of out-works.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
11545
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
