Reasons for Designation
Around 6000 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 or, in some cases, which were used for
horticulture. 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 known as the Old Moat House is a good example of such a
site. The moat itself survives in good condition and remains water-
filled providing conditions suitable for the preservation of organic
materials such as wood, leather and seeds. Additionally the location of
a well, now covered over, on the island is known and this is likely also
to preserve conditions and remains similar to those in the moat. Remains
of the original buildings which occupied the island are likely to
survive beneath the present house and gardens. The original causeway may
be preserved within the modern one while traces of the bridge noted in
oral tradition may also exist on the west side of the monument.
Details
The monument at Old Moat House comprises a moat approx. 68m square
enclosing a dwelling house, garden and outbuildings. The moat has been
partially filled at its northwest corner and along its northern side.
Moated sites are generally seen as the prestigious residences of the
Lords of the manor. The moat in such circumstances marked the high
status of the occupier, but also served to deter casual raiders and
wild animals. Being stocked with fish and encouraging fowl it also
provided a valuable food source, a water supply in case of fire and an
easy means for the disposal of waste and sewage. Most moats were
constructed between 1250 and 1350.
The moat is particularly wide at this monument being approx. 15m across
with a steeply sloping outer bank. Oral tradition claims the moat was
originally bridged on its west side but no visible evidence to support
this now exists.
A well, now covered, existed to the rear of the present house. A
reputed spring is the source of water close to the northwest corner of
the moat and outlet is into a drain to the northeast. The moat banks
are heavily covered with trees and shrubbery.
The Old Moat House and its outbuildings are excluded from the
scheduling, although the ground beneath these structures is included.
The boundary of the scheduled area follows the line of the moat, but
allows a 1 metre margin around the monument on all sides which includes
1 metre of the western edge of the trackway which lies to the east of
the monument.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
13402
Legacy System:
RSM
Sources
Other
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
