Moated manorial site 200m north-west of East Field Copse

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 survives well and has a wide range of features. Archaeological documentation has demonstrated a concentration of brick/tile within the area of the site.

Details

The monument includes a large moated site 200m north-west of East Field Copse. The site is rectangular, aligned east-west and has maximum external dimensions of 250m by 200m defined on all but the southern side by an outer bank and on all sides by a ditch. The bank now appears more substantial to the east and west where it survives to a maximum width of 30m. The earthworks to the east are considered to represent a stream course modified to form a line of fishponds. In the centre of the enclosed area is a building platform of c.30m square. An entrance in the north-east corner of the site joins a hollow way which leads east and south along the side of the eastern moat. Wall foundations can be seen in the eastern and western ditches when the water level is low. The site was probably abandoned in 1542.

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:

12035

Legacy System:

RSM

Sources

Books and journals
Barfield, S, Thatcham, Berkshire and its manors, (1902), 47, 96

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

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