Staughton Green moated site, Great Staughton

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.

Staughton Green is a well-preserved example of a Cambridgeshire moated enclosure. The significance of the site is increased due to water-logging and the fact that it has not been disturbed by later buildings and works. In consequence, it retains considerable archaeological potential.

Details

The monument includes the remains of a Medieval moated enclosure and outer entrance earthworks. The moat is sub-rectangular measuring some 90m by 85m including its surrounding moat which measures some 10m across. At the north- west the remains of a slight outer bank can be seen which may once have been more extensive. Entrance to the moated enclosure is provided by a 3m wide causeway on the west side. Outer earthworks adjacent to the entrance include the remains of an ovoid hollow connected to the moat by a slight scarp. The interior of the moated island is flat.

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:

11543

Legacy System:

RSM

Sources

Books and journals
Simkins, M E, The Victoria History of the County of Huntingdon: Volume II, (1932)

Other
Title: Ordnance Survey Map Source Date: 1968 Author: Publisher: Surveyor:

End of official list entry

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