Camp House moated site, moated outwork and connecting channels

Reasons for Designation

Around 6000 moated sites are known in England. They consist of wide ditches, often seasonally waterfilled, which partly or completely enclosed one or more islands of dry ground on which stood domestic or ecclesiastical buildings or which, in some cases, were used for horticulture. The peak period during which moated sites were built was between 1250-1350 and by far the greatest concentration lies in central and eastern parts of England. Moated sites were built throughout the Medieval period, however, are widely scattered across England and exhibit a high level of diversity in their forms and sizes. They form a significant class of Medieval monument and play an important part in understanding the distribution of wealth and status in the countryside. Many examples provide conditions favourable to the survival of normally- perishable organic remains. Camp House moated site, moated outwork and connecting channels survives well, the earthworks being particularly evident. The monument displays a diversity of components which include two moated sites, one of very small size, interconnected by channels for water management. Both moated sites and channels survive relatively undisturbed and possess considerable potential for the recovery of archaeological details of their original form and constructional remains. The channels linking the two sites will also preserve details of the original inter-relationship of the two moated sites.

Details

The site comprises a main moated site consisting of a rectangular island
surrounded by a flat-bottomed marshy moat which in turn is surrounded by
an outer shallow channel. A hollow way runs from the northeast corner of
the main moat to the main road 300m to the east. Some 90m north of the
northwest corner of the island is a moated outwork consisting of a small
island surrounded by a shallow moat. This outwork is connected by a
short length of ditch to a system of channels linking the main moated
site with a channel of the River Lune 350m to the northeast.
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 1250-1350.
The main moat is well defined, predominantly dry but containing some
marshy areas. Masonry foundations occupy part of the island and
earthworks project into or are located within the moat. Outer banks are
found on all sides. The moated outwork and connecting channels are dry
as is the outer shallow channel. The sum of the evidence suggest that
this monument is an unusual example of its type.
The fence to the east of the main moated site is not included in the
scheduling, neither is a drainage trench and drain aligned NW-SE that
crosses the monument close to its W corner, or a second drainage trench
and drain running below the moated outwork's NW arm. The ground beneath
the fence, drainage trenches and drains, however, is included.

MAP EXTRACT
The site of the monument is shown on the attached map extract.

Legacy

The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.

Legacy System number:

13405

Legacy System:

RSM

Sources

Other
Darvill, T., MPP Single Monument Class Description - Moats, (1988)
Date : 7-4-1990, Mr Goth (site excavator), Contrebis (forthcoming), (1990)
Lancs SMR, PRN 556 AP.N-674,

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