Moated site at Hug Ditch Court

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, relatively few survive in Berkshire. This example is of particular importance as it is in close proximity to the contemporary chapel of St Thomas. The site is also low-lying and therefore has high potential for the survival of palaeoenvironmental evidence.

Details

The monument includes a rectangular moated site. The moat is outlined by mature trees but is now largely backfilled. The site is aligned NW-SE and has maximum external dimensions of 80m and 55m respectively. The moat averages 10m in width and the island has dimensions of c.60m by 35m. Large sarsen stones were recorded on the site although there is now no sign of them. The parch marks of foundations have been seen on the interior of the monument by the owner during very dry summers. The modern cottage is excluded from the scheduled area.

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:

12029

Legacy System:

RSM

Sources

Other
Dennison, E and Darvill, T, HBMC Monument Class Description - Moats, 1988,

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