Monument record 2185/0/1 - Possible moated site, east of Friars Close Farm

Probable Post Medieval mound and ditch. The general appearance of the feature suggests it was a water supply or decoy pond and mound, however it was interpreted on a 1926 map as a moat. Reported as destroyed.

{1} Earthwork of a possible post-medieval moat and island. Its appearance suggests a recent date. The island is steep and the summit measures c 4m across the top. Possibly a water supply or water fowl refuge.

{2} The moat lies to the east of Friars Close Farm. The island is 16m across, although the summit is 4m. The ditch is 2m deep and 10m wide and is still water-filled. It would seem too small for a homestead moat and its general appearance suggests that it is of relatively recent date; NGR TL 0521 8421;

{4} This feature is not a homestead moat. The general appearance, particularly the sharpness of the corners suggests a more recent origin. Its inaccessible island is a steep mound with a top not
more than 4.0m across, and carries two oaks c 150 years old. Possibly a water supply or water fowl pond and refuge.

{5} The precise nature of the site is unclear, though a possible rabbit warren or duck decoy site has been suggested. There is little evidence available to support either interpretation, and indeed the site does not portray some of the key characteristics that would be expected for either use, such as the sloping site on which warrens are normally located, nor the drainage arrangements for decoys. A later date for the site has been suggested, and map evidence suggests an additional possible interpretation - that it may have been a designed garden feature for the nearby house.
The moated site was not recommended for scheduling.

<1> Ordnance Survey, 1950s/1960s, Ordnance Survey Record Cards, TL08SE2 (checked) (Index). SNN443.

<2> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1975, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.16/Site 8 (checked) (Series). SNN77379.

<3> 1924, OS 6 INCH MAP, (unchecked) (Map). SNN6643.

<4> Seaman, BH, 1969, Field investigators comments, F1 BHS 05-SEP-69 (Notes). SNN111907.

<5> English Heritage, Designation Advice Report, Moated site at Friars Close Farm, Barnwell (Report). SNN113190.

Record last edited

Apr 12 2023 2:16PM