Scheduled Monument: The Grove Close Moated Site (1011015)

DESCRIPTION OF THE MONUMENT Grove Close moat lies to the south east of Wicken Park and consists of a rectangular moated site measuring about 88m x 60m. The moat is fed by a small stream which runs along the north side of the site and three of the four original moat arms are preserved. Remains of a further ditch 1m deep and 4m wide crosses the centre of the site from west to east and it is considered that Grove Close was originally a double moated site. The west arm of the monument is still waterlogged particularly at its northern end, and is about 4m wide and 1.5m deep. The north arm is about 1m deep and 2m wide and a slight outer bank is still visible on the north of the site. The east arm varies in width between 2m and 4m and is about 1m deep. Irregularities in the surface of the moat island at its southern end mark the remains of buildings, the presence of which are indicated on early maps of the area. ASSESSMENT OF IMPORTANCE 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 Grove Close is an unusual site of double moat plan, and documentary sources indicate the presence of buildings on one of the moat islands. The largely undisturbed and waterlogged ditches of the moat have potential for the preservation of organic remains.

Record last edited

Sep 6 2023 9:43AM