Moated site 100m north east of Wolverton Manor

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.

The moated site 100m north east of Wolverton Manor is, despite part re- excavation, a comparatively well preserved example of its class. The survival of below ground structures on the platform has been demonstrated by geophysical survey. This is one of only a small number of moated sites recorded on the Isle of Wight.

Details

The monument includes a moated site and associated terrace in a low lying position 100m north east of Wolverton Manor. The moat, which is now water filled after part re-excavation, is rectangular, the longer axis aligned north west-south east. A level earthwork platform adjacent to the north east side of the moat appears to be associated with its construction or maintenance and is included within the scheduling. The moat surrounds a rectangular platform approximately 50m by 25m within which, in its northern corner, geophysical survey has revealed traces of a rectangular structure. This is likely to have been the building succeeded by Wolverton Manor, in the time of Elizabeth I. All fence posts, modern revettment and water management structures are excluded from the scheduling although the ground beneath these features is included.

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:

26840

Legacy System:

RSM

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