Details

The monument at Clavering's Farm includes a rectangular moated site situated
on a north-facing slope overlooking the Bourne Brook, 1.7km south of
Greenstead Green church. The moated site measures 77m north-south by a maximum
of 65m east-west with moat arms averaging 10m in width and 2m in depth. The
north- east and north-west corners of the moat have been enlarged to form
cattle watering places. The arms are kept waterfilled by a spring. A brick
built bridge, 4m wide, gives access to the island across the northern arm of
the moat. The island is occupied by a 17th century house which is Listed Grade
II. The monument has been identified as that associated with John de Claryngg
in 1327.
The house, shed, bridge and driveway are all excluded from the scheduling
though 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 Clavering's Farm is well preserved and will retain
archaeological information relating to its occupation. The waterfilled
ditches will also retain environmental information pertaining to the economy
of the inhabitants and the landscape in which they lived.

Source: Historic England

Sources

Books and journals
Reaney, PH, Place names of Essex, (1935), 436-437

Source: Historic England