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 consists of a trapezoidal island, measuring 65m on the east
side, c.55m on the north (under railway embankments), 50m on the south side
and an estimated 45m on the west. It is surrounded by a water-filled moat
linked to Langthwaite Dike on the south side. The island has a distinct
inner bank along the south, west and east sides which presumably also ran
along the north side and is now buried. The surface of the island is
irregular but there are no obvious building platforms. In 1828 however,
Hunter makes reference to a house that was demolished in the late 17th century
by the then owner, Sir William Adams. Prior to that, the manor had been in the
hands of Hugh de Langthwaite and later, the Woodruffes of Woolley. It was sold
by Francis Woodruffe in the reign of Elizabeth I. The monument was the
successor to Castle Hills motte and bailey castle which lies c.350m to the
WSW. Both sites commanded the manor of Langthwaite (later Hangthwaite) and
faint earthworks in the field separating the two monuments indicate the site
of the deserted village. Langthwaite deserted village does not form part of
the scheduling.
The railway line, embankment and wire fencing are excluded from the
scheduling, although the ground underneath is included.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
13215
Legacy System:
RSM
Sources
Books and journals
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
