Details

The monument comprises the earthwork and below ground remains of a
moated enclosure dating from the medieval period. The moated site covers
an area of some 50m square and consists of a slightly raised island
surrounded by a 7m wide ditch. The moat has an entrance causeway on the
north-west side which is about 5m wide. On the south-east side the
remains of a post medieval wooden bridge can be seen. The site is
recorded as containing a single house which was subsequently destroyed
by fire although no above ground traces are now apparent.

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 Hankins moat is a fine example of square moated enclosure which
survives as a well defined earthwork. It is considered to have
potential for the preservation of archaeological and environmental
remains, both within the moat and upon the raised island. Records
suggest that the monument may preserve the remains of a domestic
dwelling believed to have burnt down in the medieval period.

Source: Historic England

Sources

Books and journals
King, A, Village Chronicals Pt 2, (1986)

Source: Historic England