Details

The monument includes a moated site and associated terrace in a low lying
position 100m north east of Wolverton Manor. The moat, which is now water
filled after part re-excavation, is rectangular, the longer axis aligned
north west-south east. A level earthwork platform adjacent to the north east
side of the moat appears to be associated with its construction or
maintenance and is included within the scheduling. The moat surrounds a
rectangular platform approximately 50m by 25m within which, in its northern
corner, geophysical survey has revealed traces of a rectangular structure.
This is likely to have been the building succeeded by Wolverton Manor, in the
time of Elizabeth I.
All fence posts, modern revettment and water management structures are
excluded from the scheduling although the ground beneath these features 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.

The moated site 100m north east of Wolverton Manor is, despite part re-
excavation, a comparatively well preserved example of its class. The survival
of below ground structures on the platform has been demonstrated by
geophysical survey. This is one of only a small number of moated sites
recorded on the Isle of Wight.

Source: Historic England