Two Moated Sites in Turnford, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire: Historical Research and Archaeological Survey
Author(s): David Went, Magnus Alexander, Matthew Bristow, Christopher Thornton
This research examined two Scheduled moats in an area of south-east Hertfordshire identified for development. It is intended to support their future management, and planning decisions affecting them, by ensuring they are understood and their extent and significance defined. Perrior’s is a manorial homestead moat, associated with a farm to the north. Excavations in the 1950s suggest occupation began around 1100, but the moat may have been added when it acquired manorial status in the later 13th century. The moat has been partially filled and the farm recently demolished, but both remain significant. Hell Wood is not well documented but may have been an estate traced back to 1347, though radiocarbon dates suggest an origin around 1200. Today it forms a double moat, but this is not its original form and its development is uncertain. An embankment crossing the valley is probably a secondary causeway, perhaps related to the incorporation of the area into Cheshunt Park in the early 17th century, but may also have acted as a dam for growing watercress. Much of the area was turned over to osiers in around 1800 suggesting a previously unidentified industry in the area.
- Report Number:
- 67/2025
- Series:
- Research Report
- Pages:
- 120
- Keywords:
- Medieval Survey Lidar Survey Earthwork Historic Moat Drone
