Details

The monument includes a moated site west of and adjacent to Smewins Farm. The
moat has three arms, being open on the eastern side. The maximum dimensions
of the site are approximately 60m east-west by 40m-50m north-south. The moat
is water-filled, averages 5m wide and is in excess of 1.5m deep. The house
contained within the moat, is half-timbered with brick nogging and is probably
of late Tudor origin. The house is excluded from the scheduling but the
ground beneath it is included.

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.

Although a large number of moated sites are known, relatively few survive in
Berkshire. This site is of particular importance as it survives well and is
associated with the listed building on the interior of the site.

Source: Historic England

Sources

Other
Dennison, E and Darvill, T, HBMC Monument Class Description - Moats, 1988,

Source: Historic England