Details

The monument includes the remains of a Medieval moated enclosure. The
enclosure is rectangular in shape measuring c.75m by 50m inclusive of the 11m
wide surrounding waterfilled moat. The moat is fed by a modern field drain at
its south-west angle, which drains out through a channel in the centre of the
east arm. The original source of water is thought to be provided by a spring
located on the north arm of the moat. The moated island is flat with no
surface indication for the location of buildings or features. The moated site
may be associated with the remains of Wood End shrunken Medieval village
located along either side of the nearby road.

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.

Wood End moated site is an above average example of small moated rectangular
enclosure, the archaeological potential of which appears to be undamaged by
later disturbance.

Source: Historic England

Sources

Other
Burton, R P, (1990)
SMR record, Knox R, (1980)

Source: Historic England