Details

The monument at The Moat comprises a well preserved nearly-square moat
averaging 7m-8m in width enclosing a largely undisturbed island. Moated sites
are generally seen as prestigious residences of the Lords of the Manor. The
moat not only marked the high status of the occupier but also served to deter
casual raiders and wild animals. Most moated sites were constructed between
1250 and 1350, and it is from this period that the moat at Great Chart is
likely to date.
No evidence of the buildings which are presumed to have stood on the island is
visible on the ground, nor is the original position of the causeway known, but
an expansion of the moat where the feeder stream outfalls may show the
position of a former fishpond. The building which now stands on the moat
island is 17th century or earlier, partly timber-framed and Listed Grade II.
It is later than the moat and its original manor house however, and is
excluded from the scheduling along with all other standing structures within
the area of the scheduling, although the ground beneath each 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.

The Moat at Great Chart is of particular importance both because the moat
remains largely intact and is wet throughout the year, providing favourable
conditions for the survival of normally perishable forms of evidence, and
because the island is undisturbed apart from the house so that the potential
for the recovery of evidence of the organisation and development of the
buildings on the site is high.

Source: Historic England

Sources

Other
Darvill, T., MPP Single Monument Class Description - Moats, (1988)
Listed Buildings Vol 1155 24/22,

Source: Historic England