Details

The monument includes the well-defined remains of a Medieval moated
enclosure. The enclosure is sub-rectangular in shape measuring some 100m
by 75m in maximum external dimensions. The moat comprises three
waterfilled arms with the River Lea forming the south-east side of the
site. The moat varies in width between 6m and 16m, with the enlarged
north angle forming the widest section. In some places the remains of
flint walling are visible, revetting the sides of the moat. Entrance to
the interior is across a brick arched bridge near the west angle. Two
causeways separate the arms of the moat from the river. The interior of
the enclosure is uneven. Wall lines visible in dry seasons and surface
scatters of Tudor brick and tile provide evidence for the locations of
buildings upon the island. A low bank adjacent to the river is the
result of recent dredging.
Historical records relating to the site include an inventory of rooms
dating to 1619 and a sketch of Roxford Manor dating to 1687.

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.

Roxford is a well-preserved example of a Hertfordshire moated site. The
monument is largely unaffected by later land use and is considered to
have excellent potential for the preservation of archaeological remains.
The significance of the site is greatly increased by the presence of a
range of historical records relating to the early post Medieval period.

Source: Historic England

Sources

Other
Andrews, TEHAS,
Note of amateur, Bagenal, Mrs, (1990)
Ordnance Survey, N K B, (1971)
Title: Tithe Map (1838)
Source Date: 1838
Author:
Publisher:
Surveyor:

Source: Historic England