Moated site 60m north of Benville 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 60m north of Benville Manor will contain archaeological and environmental remains providing information about medieval society, economy and landscape.

Details

The monument includes a rectangular moat 60m north of Benville Manor, a house which is largely 17th century in date but probably earlier in origin. It is one of a pair of moats in the hamlet of Benville, about 650m apart. The moat has a ditch, up to 4m wide and 1.5m deep, enclosing a level island 24m by 18m. It is generally water-filled on the north, west and east sides, where it has been cleaned out and modified. A stone and brick revetment has been added along the northern side and there is a sluice gate controlling the water level in the north eastern corner. There is an outer bank on the northern and eastern sides, 7m wide and up to 1m high, possibly relating to this period of modification and episodes of cleaning. The southern ditch is partially infilled with material deriving from the adjacent garden to the south, but represents a survival of the original form. There is a stone-lined inlet at the south west corner. All fence and gate posts 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:

31073

Legacy System:

RSM

End of official list entry

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