Moated site at Shirley Hall

Summary

Medieval moated site including platform, ditches and banks.

Reasons for Designation

The moated site at Shirley Hall is scheduled for the following principal reasons:

* Survival: the major elements of the moated manorial complex survive well, with a clearly defined and relatively undisturbed platform, three water-filled arms and one buried arm of the moat, and it is a good example of its type.

* Potential: there is good evidence for the survival of significant archaeological deposits, including waterlogged organic material, which has the potential to enhance our knowledge and understanding of the manorial complex and the wider landscape in which it functioned.

* Documentation: the existence of documentary evidence enhances the understanding and significance of the site.

* Group value: it has strong group value with Shirley Hall Farmhouse and stables, located within the moated enclosure, and the cowhouse which is located just to the north-east, all of which are listed at Grade II.

History

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. 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. Although moated sites were built throughout the medieval period and are widely scattered throughout England, 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. Whilst moated sites exhibit a high level of diversity in their forms and sizes, square and rectangular moats are the commonest throughout the country.

The manor of Shirley (or Sireli, as it was formerly known) belonged to Henry de Ferrers who settled there during the reign of Henry II (1154-89). The moated site was probably created by a descendant, in the later C13 or early C14. The original homestead was abandoned in the C15 when the family inherited Staunton Harold in Leicestershire, and the site was then tenanted by a branch of the Pegges family until 1782. It is likely that the current, C16, Grade II listed farmhouse, located in the south-east corner of the moated enclosure, was built by the Pegges family who chose not to inhabit the medieval manor house or hall. In 1789 Pilkington recorded that ‘at Shirley stood a few years ago the ancient seat of the family of Shirley; but now it is taken down and scarcely a vestige is to be seen’. It is likely that the demolition of the house therefore occurred after the Pegges family moved away.

The distinctive shape of the moat is clearly shown on the Shirley Tithe Map of 1838 with an L-shaped building range located in the eastern corner of the platform, and a series of buildings are located on the south-eastern end of the moated platform. The first edition Ordnance Survey (OS) map of 1880 shows extensive tree coverage on the moated platform and on the banks of the ditch within which water is clearly depicted. Again, a series of buildings are shown towards the eastern end of the platform and the footprint of these has not changed since. The map regression indicates the level of tree cover has gradually decreased over the last century. For almost forty years the platform has been used as an equestrian exercise area.

Details

The monument includes a medieval moated manorial complex which survives as a series of earthworks, parchmarks and buried deposits. It consists of a subrectangular platform enclosed by water-filled ditches on three sides; these survive to a depth of at least 2m although it was not possible to establish the depth of the water contained within them. The north-west and south-west arms of the moat are both of a similar length measuring c40m and c43m respectively, whilst the north-east arm is longer measuring c68m and is truncated by a masonry wall, presumably a later addition. The width of the ditch varies from c5.3m to c11.8m.

A linear earthwork in the form of a wide, shallow gully is visible in the garden to the south of the farmhouse and suggests that the south western arm of the moat originally continued further to the south but has since been infilled. Standing water was lying within the earthwork at the time of the site visit confirming its ability to retain water. It is possible that the need for the metalled farm track, which now separates this earthwork from the water-filled moat, was the reason for the infilling.

Evidence also suggests that there was a south-east arm to complete the rectangular moat: aerial photographs show a linear parch mark running south-west to north-east linking the earthwork to the truncated but extant north-east arm of the moat. A slight dip in the ground further emphasises this feature in places. The Grade II listed farmhouse and stables are enclosed by the moat. The northern half of the platform is used for equestrian training and has had a membrane laid on the surface followed by c 0.5m of sand and woodchip to prevent it becoming boggy. This also adds a layer of protection to any buried archaeological deposits which are likely to survive in the northern half of the platform; the most likely site of the original manorial homestead. Trees continue to grow along the banks of the moat.

Extent of Scheduling

The area of protection includes the complete rectangular shape of the original moat as defined by the existing moat, earthworks, and parchmarks to the south-east, and includes a 2m buffer zone for their protection. Excluded from the scheduling are all seven standing buildings, including the listed farmhouse and stables, as well as all modern road surfaces, farmyard surfaces and fencing, but the ground beneath them is included.

Sources

Books and journals
Craven, M, Stanley, M, The Derbyshire Country House. Vol II, (1984)
Wilson, D, Moated Sites, (1985)
Bagshaw, S, History, Gazetteer and Directory of Derbyshire, in History, Gazetteer and Directory of Derbyshire, (1846)

Other
Title: Shirley Tithe Map Source Date: 1838 Author: Publisher: Surveyor:
Moated Site (remains of), Shirley Hall, Derbyshire HER no. 25404,

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