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.
Details
The monument includes a moated site situated on level ground some 200m south
west of Bell Farm. The moat, which is seasonally wet and ranges in width from
10m to 15m, is open to a depth of up to 2m and surrounds a small, sub-
rectangular central platform raised up to 0.4m above the ground level to the
south, east and north west of the moat and measuring approximately 21m south
west-north east by 20m north west-south east. At the south west corner of the
moat there is a short projection which probably represents the end of an
outlet channel. A dished causeway across the eastern arm of the moat, which
now provides access to the central platform, is not an original feature. A
medieval lead seal and a 13th century seal matrix found in the vicinity of the
moat provide evidence for the high, probably manorial status of the site.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
30549
Legacy System:
RSM
End of official list entry
