SNN111731 - Barton Seagrave moated manorial enclosure and other moated enclosures in central and northern Northamptonshire

Barton Seagrave is an outstanding example of a moated medieval manor house with associated fishponds, dams, sluices and supply and drainage channels. Previous finds together documentary records date the site to the early 14th century but there has been only limited survey and excavation. The medieval village of Barton Seagrave is of uncertain size and location and its relationship to the manor site is unclear. This study has established the form and function of the manorial site, the probably location and extent of the medieval village in the early 14th century and its relationship to the manor. The relative importance of defence, status and topographical factors in locating the manorial site are discussed through research of existing literature and on-site research. Similar factors are considered for eight other similar sites in central and north Northamptonshire to establish the extent to which Barton Seagrave was typical in form and function of manorial sites in the study aarea.