Details

Thee moated site includes the remains of a Medieval moated enclosure. The
enclosure is rectangular in shape measuring 110m by 60m inclusive of the
surrounding dry moat. The outer edges of the moat have been obscured on
all but the south side by modern filling. The interior is uneven
indicating the location of buildings and features. There is no
indication where the original entrance to the site was located. Part of
the upstanding remains of the sports pavilion have been constructed
across the edge of the moat. The upstanding building remains are
excluded from the scheduling although the ground beneath the building
is included. (Not shown on current version of O.S. map)
The moated site is one of a cluster of three such enclosures east of the
Gutter Bridge Ditch and is associated with a range of contemporary
monuments including the nearby Priory to the north.

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 importance of Swaffham Bulbeck moated enclosure is increased by its
association with a range of contemporary Medieval monuments, including
the nearby priory to the north and the other two moats in the group of
three.

Source: Historic England

Sources

Other
RCHM NE Cambs., (1972)

Source: Historic England