Details

The monument at Stanley Hall includes a triangular moated site situated on a
slight north-facing slope, 1.75km south-west of Pebmarsh church. The moat arms
each measure about 40m long and 10m wide. The south-eastern angle of the
island appears to have been separated at one time by an intermediate ditch,
but this has been infilled leaving only the stub ends visible. A wooden
footbridge gives access to the island across the northern part of the western
arm. Two other bridges allow access to the island. Both are modern
constructions of concrete, brick and wood. One is situated on the northern
angle and the other on the western arm. The island is occupied by a late 16th
century house which is a Grade II Listed Building.
The site was called Stanlegh in 1282, a name which means 'stone clearing'.
The house, outbuildings, bridges and paths, which all occupy the island at
present, are excluded from the scheduling although the ground beneath them 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.

Source: Historic England

Reasons for Scheduling

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 Stanley Hall is well preserved and will retain
archaeological information pertaining to its occupation. The water-filled
ditches will also retain environmental evidence relating to the economy of its
inhabitants and the landscape in which they lived.

Source: Historic England

Sources

Books and journals
Reaney, PH, Place names of Essex, (1935)

Source: Historic England