Details

The moated site NW of Mill Hill House Farm includes a slightly
irregularly-shaped moat averaging 1m deep and a nearly square island
c.42m x 38m which is defined by the moat.
Most moats were constructed between 1250-1350 and are generally seen as
the prestigious residences of the Lords of the manor. The moat in such
circumstances marked the high status of the occupier, but also served to
deter casual raiders and wild animals.
The moat NW of Mill Hill House Farm is presently dry although heavy rain
accumulates in the S arm. Ridge and furrow runs to the outer edge of
the ditch all around the site and has obliterated any evidence of an
outer bank.

MAP EXTRACT
The site of the monument is shown on the attached map extract.

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 NW of Mill Hill House Farm survives essentially
undamaged and retains considerable archaeological potential for the
recovery of evidence of building foundations within the interior.

Source: Historic England

Sources

Other
Cheshire SMR RN 1966,
Darvill, T., MPP Single Monument Class Description - Moats, (1988)

Source: Historic England