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 comprises the moated site which preceded Irby Hall, a building of
early 17th century date known to have been built on the site of an 11th
century manor and courthouse of St Werburgh Abbey.
This site, like the nearby moated site at Bromborough, indicates St Werburgh's
control over this area of the Wirral in medieval times.
The moat is a striking example of its type, being 12-15m max. width x 2.7m
deep with a causeway across its S arm and a prominent outer bank 1m high. It
is now dry. Much of the moated island is given over to lawns and is largely
free of modern encumbrance, however, a private dwelling known as Barnstables
occupies the NE corner of the island and Irby Hall lies at the centre of the
island. Irby Hall is a Grade II Listed Building.
The Hall, its access drive and outbuilding, Barnstables, the shed and all
walls and fences are excluded from the scheduling. The ground beneath all
these features, however, is included.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
13427
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
