Details

The monument is a small moated site comprising a rectangular island c.30m
x 50m surrounded by a wet moat crossed by a causeway near the centre of the
north side. The extension of the moat evident at its north east corner
represents an integral fishpond. The surface of the island is grass-covered
and no evidence of the buildings which formerly occupied the site are visible
on the surface. The existence of stonework below the present ground surface
however, has been indicated by probing. In addition, 14th and 15th century
pottery sherds have been found in mole upcasts on the island.
Excluded from the scheduling is a telegraph pole and its stays, although the
ground underneath 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.

Round About moat, Arksey, is a good example of a well-preserved moated site
unencumbered by post-medieval structures. It is therefore anticipated that
extensive remains of the buildings which formerly occupied the island will
survive. Additionally, organic and palaeoenvironmental material will also be
preserved in the waterlogged moat.

Source: Historic England

Sources

Books and journals
Le Patourel, H E J, The Moated Sites of Yorkshire, (1973)
Magilton, J, The Doncaster District, (1977)

Source: Historic England