Monument record 112/0/29 - Medieval Moat, north-west of Lyveden New Beild

Moat, now destroyed by ploughing. Air photographs and maps show that it comprises two conjoined rectangular islands each surrounded by a wide ditch. Medieval pottery, tiles and limestone rubble have been found here. Magnetometry survey has confirmed the location of the moat and suggested the presence of demolition deposits relating to former buildings on the moat island

{1} Medieval moated site comprising two conjoined rectangular islands each surrounded by a wide ditch, seen on aerial photos NCCAP:SP9885/016-019.

{2} Crop/soilmark: Non-destructive fieldwork. Mapped object is a combination of NMP mapping with the earlier RCHME earthwork survey.

{3} Moat, completely destroyed by ploughing but seen on aerial photos and OS maps as consisting of two conjoined rectangular islands each surrounded by a wide ditch. Medieval pottery, glazed ridge tiles and limestone rubble have been picked up on the site.

{4} A moated site was revealed from the air by St Joseph in October 1967. Whilst checking the site in January 1969 a dense surface scatter of sherds was noted, along with iron objects, bone and charcoal, along with a whetstone. A little to the east a further area of considerable limestone scatter was observed with much pottery and glazed ridge tile. However, the second grouping could represent hardcore brought in from elsewhere to fill in a ditch and pond [both of which are probably recorded on OS mapping in the C19th].

{6} Part of the double moat appears to be still waterlogged at the end of the C19th.

{7} The early surveyor's drawings appear to show a pond in the area of the moat, possibly suggesting that at least one limb was water-filled at this time.

{9} Magnetometery survey identified a number of linear/curvilinear positive anomalies that correspond with cropmarks identified on the WWII Luftwaffe aerial photo of a medieval moated manor. The large amount of magnetic noise could suggest the presence of demolition material from former buildings within this enclosure. Further positive linear anomalies lie outside the moated site but may be elements of land division.

<1> FOARD G., Oral Report to SMR, (unchecked) (Oral Report). SNN51428.

<2> Northamptonshire SMR Collection of Aerial Photographs, Used with NMR & CUCAP collections (Aerial Photograph(s)). SNN104822.

<3> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1975, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.7 Site 19 (checked) (Series). SNN77379.

<4> Brown, A.E. (Ed.), 1969, Archaeology in Northamptonshire 1967/68 (Medieval), p.19 (checked) (Article). SNN57956.

<5> Brown, AE & and Taylor, CC, 1973, The Gardens at Lyveden, p.154-60 (unchecked) (Journal). SNN55282.

<6> Ordnance Survey, 1880s, First Edition OS 6 Inch Mapping Series (18SE), (checked) (Map). SNN105804.

<7> Ordnance Survey, 1811-9, First Edition Ordnance Survey Surveyors Drawings, Sheet 269 (Map). SNN104902.

<8> STEANE J.M., 1967, EXCAVATIONS AT LYVEDEN: 1965-1967 (Interim Report). SNN48569.

<9> Godbold, R & Evershed, R, 2016, Archaeological evaluation report: Geophysical survey by magnetometry on land at Lyveden new Bield, Northamptonshire (Report). SNN111310.

Record last edited

Oct 23 2024 11:00AM