Details

The monument includes a well preserved medieval moated site located on low-
lying ground just south of the River Ouse and measuring approximately 225m by
112m overall. The site has two enclosed islands, one lying north of the other.
The northern island measures 50m north-south by 25m east-west and the southern
one 31m north-south by 50m east-west. They are clearly visible as raised
platforms standing 1m above the surrounding ground surface. The creation of
such a raised platform was probably a measure to ensure the site was dry and
well drained. Stone foundations, indicating the former existence of buildings,
have been noted on the islands.

The two islands are subdivided by a moat ditch measuring 56m long by up to 25m
wide and 2.5m deep, although a causeway crosses the centre of this ditch
thereby linking the two islands directly. The two inter-linked platforms are
enclosed by a main moat measuring approximately 125m long by 25m wide and 2m
deep.

Immediately west of the moated site lie a group of associated earthworks which
are interpreted as drainage channels and fishponds associated with the main
moated site. These remains include a drainage channel extending 50m from the
north west corner of the moat. This would have functioned as an inlet or
outlet channel to or from the main moated site. A similar ditch also extends
for a distance of 50m south from the south east corner of the moat. To the
west of the moated site a series of earthworks are less distinct, but are
interpreted as the remains of a fishpond associated with the site. The term
`fort' on the old six inch Ordnance Survey map refers to a supposed Civil War
period fort on the site. There is, at present, no evidence to confirm this
identification.

The modern post and wire fences bounding the site and crossing it to the north
are excluded from the scheduling, although the ground beneath is included.

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.

Hall Garth moated site is well preserved and is slightly unusual in having
two enclosed islands. Stone foundations have been noted there and further
evidence of the buildings which were originally present will survive well.
Drainage channels and the remains of an associated fishpond also survive well
and will retain information on the manner in which the wider water management
system operated at this site.

Source: Historic England

Sources

Books and journals
Le Patourel, H E J, The Moated Sites of Yorkshire, (1973), 126
Other
Johnson, JS, AM7, (1977)
Title: Ordnance Survey 25" Resurvey
Source Date: 1962
Author:
Publisher:
Surveyor:

Source: Historic England