Details

The monument includes a moated site and associated fishpond immediately north-
west of Pinhills Farm. It survives as a square enclosure orientated NW-SE and
surrounded by an irregular shaped moat 16-17m wide at its maximum and up to
1.5m deep. An outer bank survives to the north-west of the moat while a
rectangular depression to the north-east is considered to be a contemporary
fishpond. Within the moated site rubble foundations can be traced orientated
south-west/north-east. Historical sources suggest that Pinhills was
surrounded by a breastwork in 1643. This was drained either in 1643 or 1644
when the Royalists captured the manor house and destroyed it. The Manor house
is believed to have been home to the Blake family from the 14th century.

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.

Although a large number of moated sites are known in England,
relatively few survive in Wiltshire. This example is particularly
important as it survives well and has an above average level of
historical documentation. The location of the moated site on a
commanding hilltop adds to the importance of the site. Most moated
sites are low lying and construction at such a height must have caused
problems in the availability of a constant water supply.

Source: Historic England

Sources

Books and journals
Marsh, A F W, History of Calne, (1904)
'Wiltshire Archaeological Magazine' in Wiltshire Archaeological Magazine: Volume 49, , Vol. 49, (1942), 571-2
Jackson, J E, 'Wilts Arch Magazine' in Moated Site North-West Of Pinhills Farm, , Vol. 24, (1889), 166-219
Other
Dennison, E and Darvill, T, HBMC Monument Class Description - Fishponds, 1988,
Title: (Moated site north-west of Pinhills Farm)
Source Date: 1960
Author:
Publisher:
Surveyor:
6"

Source: Historic England