Moated site and fishpond north-west of Pinhills Farm

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 in England, relatively few survive in Wiltshire. This example is particularly important as it survives well and has an above average level of historical documentation. The location of the moated site on a commanding hilltop adds to the importance of the site. Most moated sites are low lying and construction at such a height must have caused problems in the availability of a constant water supply.

Details

The monument includes a moated site and associated fishpond immediately north- west of Pinhills Farm. It survives as a square enclosure orientated NW-SE and surrounded by an irregular shaped moat 16-17m wide at its maximum and up to 1.5m deep. An outer bank survives to the north-west of the moat while a rectangular depression to the north-east is considered to be a contemporary fishpond. Within the moated site rubble foundations can be traced orientated south-west/north-east. Historical sources suggest that Pinhills was surrounded by a breastwork in 1643. This was drained either in 1643 or 1644 when the Royalists captured the manor house and destroyed it. The Manor house is believed to have been home to the Blake family from the 14th century.

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:

12039

Legacy System:

RSM

Sources

Books and journals
Marsh, A F W, History of Calne, (1904)
Wiltshire Archaeological Magazine in Wiltshire Archaeological Magazine: Volume 49, Vol. 49, (1942), 571-2
Jackson, J E, Wilts Arch Magazine in Moated Site North-West Of Pinhills Farm, Vol. 24, (1889), 166-219

Other
Title: (Moated site north-west of Pinhills Farm) Source Date: 1960 Author: Publisher: Surveyor: 6"
Dennison, E and Darvill, T, HBMC Monument Class Description - Fishponds, 1988,

End of official list entry

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