Moated site 100m south of Manor Farm, Plaitford

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.

Although a large number of moated sites are known in England, relatively few survive in Hampshire. This example is particularly important as it has high potential for the survival of archaeological and organic remains. The site also has surviving documentary evidence. Few moats are known from this part of the county and the monument therefore also has considerable regional importance.

Details

The monument includes a sub-rectangular moated site situated 100m south of Manor Farm. The monument is orientated east-west and surrounded on all but the northern side by a moat. A ditch survives representing the northern arm, although this is poorly defined. The moat is fed by water from the River Blackwater and thus fills up when the river floods. The channel linking the moat to the river is considered to be original. The site has maximum external dimensions of 90m east-west by 80m north-south. The moat survives to a width of 7m and a depth of 0.7m enclosing an island of between 50 and 60m square. Small-scale excavations have revealed 12th/13th century glazed pottery. Large boulders and flint nodules appear on the island and may represent part of the original fabric of a building. Historical sources indicate that the site was held of the king-in-chief for the service of keeping the park of Melchet. Although the medieval holders are known by some documentary sources, no evidence survives for the nature of the manorial buildings.

MAP EXTRACT The site of the monument is shown on the attached map extract. It includes a 2 metre boundary around the archaeological features, considered to be essential for the monument's support and preservation.

Legacy

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

Legacy System number:

12060

Legacy System:

RSM

Sources

Other
Dennison, E and Darvill, T, HBMC Monument Class Description - Moats, 1988,
Stamper, P, Medieval Hampshire: studies in landscape history, 1983, PhD thesis: University of Southampton

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