Moated site at Brook House

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 at Brook House is a good example of a medieval homestead moat. It is known not to have undergone any significant alteration since at least the early 19th century, and archaeological information relating to the construction of the moat and the the occupation of the interior during and since the medieval period will be preserved in deposits on the central island. As an isolated moated site in an area characterised by a dispersed pattern of settlement, it will contribute to the study of the development of medieval settlement in the region.

Details

The monument includes a medieval moated site located on the eastern side of a stream known as The Beck, in an isolated position approximately 875m to the south east of the parish church and village of Ilketshall St Margaret.

The moat, which surrounds a sub-rectangular central island with maximum dimensions of approximately 65m north west-south east by 57m, is between 5m and 6m in width and water-filled, fed by the stream which forms the western arm. The water level within the moat is controlled by a weir which is situated immediately to the north west of the moated site and is not included in the scheduling. The stream to the west of the moated island is also not included, although the eastern bank which forms the western edge of the island is included. Access to the central island is provided by a broad causeway across the eastern end of the northern arm of the moat, although it is possible that this feature, if original, has been widened since it was originally constructed.

Brook House, standing in the north eastern quadrant of the central island, is believed to date in part from the 16th century and is a Listed Building Grade II.

A number of features are excluded from the scheduling. These are: Brook House, the outbuildings adjoining it, together with inspection chambers and a cesspit, modern gravel surfaces and paving, garden furniture and all fences and gates; however the ground beneath all these features is included.

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:

30605

Legacy System:

RSM

Sources

Other
Title: Tithe Map, Ilketshall St Margaret Source Date: Author: Publisher: Surveyor: C.R.O. Ref. P461/145

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