Details

The monument includes the well-preserved remains of a Medieval moated
enclosure and associated deer-pen enclosure and park pale. The moated
enclosure measures some 75m east-west by 50m north-south in maximum external
dimensions. The surrounding dry moat measures about 12m across and up to 2.5m
deep. Part of the west side of the moat has been infilled in modern times. A
low external bank, measuring some 0.5m high and 3m across, flanks its east
arm. The moated island is raised 2m higher then the surrounding ground
surfaces. Foundations of a flint-faced building, measuring about 4m by 9m,
survive within the interior. The moated site is considered to have been the
location of a park keeper's lodge in the Tudor period.
Adjacent to the moat on the east side is an outer enclosure with dimensions of
about 85m east-west by 50m north-south. Its eastern side defined by a 2m high
scarp slope and by the moat and park pale on the west and north sides
respectively. The interior of the enclosure is levelled to form a flat
terrace on which stood at least three deer-houses up until the last century.
There are no obvious surface traces of these buildings.
Immediately to the north of the moat and outer enclosure are the remains of a
park pale, originally enclosing Gilston Park in the Tudor period. The park
pale survives as a well-defined ditch which measures 4m across and up to 1.5m
deep.

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 Mount survives as a well-preserved Hertfordshire moated enclosure. It is
an unusual example of a site of this category specifically associated with
deer management.

Source: Historic England

Sources

Other
Title: Gilston Park Estate Map
Source Date: 1851
Author:
Publisher:
Surveyor:

Title: Tithe Map
Source Date: 1839
Author:
Publisher:
Surveyor:

Title: Tithe Maps
Source Date: 1839
Author:
Publisher:
Surveyor:
1839 & 1898

Source: Historic England