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.
Details
The site consists of the surviving part of an approximately rectangular
moated site, the platform of which is now occupied by Easington Hall
Farm, with further settlement remains on the N and W sides.
Moated sites are generally seen as the prestigious residences of the
Lords of the manor. The moat in such circumstances marked the high
status of the occupier, but also served to deter casual raiders and wild
animals. Most moats were constructed between 1250 and 1350 and it is
to this period that the example at Easington is likely to date.
At the north of the moated site the original watercourse was clearly
engineered to service at least one pond to the east, parts of the
earthworks of which survive. To the west and northwest of the farm there
survive the earthwork boundaries of at least four enclosures, in two of
which are roughly circular mounds which have been interpreted as
dovecotes. Also within these enclosures are the earthwork remains of
building platforms and hollow ways.
All field boundaries are excluded from the scheduling, although the
ground beneath is included. Additionally the electricity pylon and its
base is excluded but deposits beneath are included.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
13403
Legacy System:
RSM
Sources
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
