Details

The monument includes a square moated site 400m ENE of Hooker's Gate. The
moat survives as an earthwork, orientated NE-SW, with maximum external
dimensions of between 70 and 80m square. The island is slightly raised above
surrounding ground and has dimensions of between 50 and 60m square. It is
enclosed by a dry ditch of between 5 and 10m wide and up to 2m deep. It would
appear that water was supplied from a small stream, through a gap in the
south-east corner and flowed out at the north-west corner down a deep channel
which joined the meandering course of an old stream. The channel is now
largely destroyed by the construction of a motorway embankment. Beyond the
ditch are the remains of an outer bank which surrounds the site and stands to
a height of 0.5m. There are no clear indications of foundations on the site
although tiles were found in a cattle scrape outside the ditch on the south
side of the monument. Bricks and rubble are also visible along the outside of
the western arm.

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.

Although a large number of moated sites are known in England, relatively few
survive in Wiltshire. This site is particularly important as it survives well
and has potential for the recovery of archaeological remains. The importance
of the site is enhanced by the association with a small part of the drainage
channel and the supply channel to the south-east. Both provide a clear
indication as to the workings of the monument.

Source: Historic England

Sources

Other
Dennison, E and Darvill, T, HBMC Monument Class Description - Moats, 1988,
Moated site 400m ENE of Hookers Gate, (Tiles, bricks and rubble found at moated site),

Source: Historic England