Details

Manor Holt moated site consists of a rhomboidal island, measuring c.40m each
side, surrounded by a 10m wide inner moat enlarged at the south-west corner to
form a fishpond. The whole is enclosed by a rectangular outer moat measuring
c.100m x 70m and with a possible causeway near the north-west corner. The
outer moat is embanked on the inside along the west, south and east sides.
The inner moat is embanked on the same three sides but along its outside edge.
The double revetment thus created between the two moats suggests a function
that was at least nominally defensive. The site is documented from the
thirteenth century onwards as being the centre of a manor held by the Morton
family.

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 Manor Holt example, with an inner moat set within an outer and a double
revetment, is unique in South Yorkshire and unusual nationally. It is
therefore an important example, demonstrating the diversity of form of this
class of monument. Though partially disturbed by forestry, the monument
survives well and is expected to contain considerable in situ deposits.

Source: Historic England

Sources

Books and journals
Magilton, J, The Doncaster District, (1977)

Source: Historic England