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 monument is the moated site of Handsacre Hall. The site includes an
island measuring c.54m by 53m that contains brick and sandstone structural
remains of Handsacre Hall protruding above the surface. The island is
surrounded by a substantial moat 8-10m wide and 4m deep that remains
waterlogged in its eastern and southern arms and at the south-western corner.
The western half of the northern arm has been infilled. Elsewhere the moat is
dry. Flanking the moat's western arm is an outer bank measuring up to 7m wide
by 1m high.
The Handsacre family lived in Handsacre prior to the Norman Conquest. During
the 14th century a cruck hall occupied the island. Handsacre Hall was rebuilt
at an unspecified date and latterly became a farm. The building was
demolished during the mid 1960s.
All fences are excluded from the scheduling; the ground beneath them,
however, is included. The ruins of the brick and sandstone building phase of
Handsacre Hall are also included in the scheduling because any disturbance to
them is likely to damage underlying medieval remains.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
13506
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
