Details

The monument includes the well-preserved remains of a medieval moated
enclosure. The enclosure is rectangular in shape measuring some 60m
east-west by 55m north-south in maximum external dimensions. The
partially waterfilled moat measures some 10m in width and up to 3m deep.
It is fed by a stream entering the north west corner and draining out
through an outflow channel at the south east angle. The moat is
surrounded by low outer banks surviving up to 1m high and 4m wide. The
outer bank on the north side has been levelled along an 8m wide section.
Dug into part of this north outer bank are the remains of a modern
artificial fox-earth.
The moated site is considered to be the location of the medieval park keeper's
lodge.

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 Hoddesdon Park Wood moated site survives particularly well and is an
above average example of a small rectangular Hertfordshire moat.

Source: Historic England

Sources

Books and journals
'East Herts. Arch. Soc.' in East Herts. Arch. Soc. note , (1908)

Source: Historic England