Peel Hall moated site

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.

Despite limited excavation of the moat's platform, Peel Hall moated site survives well. This excavation located artefacts dating to medieval times and evidence of medieval and post-medieval buildings will survive within the unexcavated areas. Additionally organic material will be preserved within the waterlogged moat.

Details

The monument is Peel Hall moated site. It includes a raised island measuring c.50m square that is surrounded by a waterlogged moat 8m-14m wide and 1.2m deep to the water level. An outer bank 10m wide and 0.3m high flanks the moat's northern arm. Access to the island is by a triple arched medieval sandstone bridge across the eastern arm. Secondary access is provided by a causeway on the western arm. Peel Hall was originally constructed by Sir John de Arderne during the mid 14th century. The house passed to the Stanley family in 1408 and remained in their hands for 100 years after which it passed through a succession of different owners until acquired by the Tattons. The hall was eventually demolished in 1809 and replaced the following year by a farmhouse, which in turn was demolished in 1975. Limited excavation of the moat platform during the early 1970's located cobbling and medieval roof tiles. Peel Hall bridge is a Listed building Grade II. Peel Hall bridge, all fences, paved and tarmacked areas 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:

22447

Legacy System:

RSM

Sources

Other
DOE, List of Buildings of Historic & Architectural Interest,
Pagination 44-4, GT Manchester Archaeology Unit (Unpub), Peel Hall, Wythanshaw, (1974)
Darvill, T, MPP Single Monument Class Descriptions - Moats, (1989)

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