Scheduled Monument: Shotwick Hall Moated Site (1011785)

EXTRACT FROM ENGLISH HERITAGE'S RECORD OF SCHEDULED MONUMENTS MONUMENT: Shotwick Hall moated site PARISH: SHOTWICK DISTRICT: CHESTER COUNTY: CHESHIRE NATIONAL MONUMENT NO: 13454 NATIONAL GRID REFERENCE(S): SJ33597202 DESCRIPTION OF THE MONUMENT The monument comprises the moated site of the original Shotwick Hall and includes an island and moat occupied by a coppice known as Moat Plantation. The island measures c.25m x 32m, is raised c.0.5m above the level of the surrounding fields, and is occupied by established trees and newly planted saplings. Surrounding the island is a largely silted moat c.10m wide x 1.5m deep vegetated with grass, nettles and some scrub. A narrow inlet/outlet channel links the W corner of the moat to the present field drainage system while a more substantial waterlogged/silted channel enters the NE arm of the moat close to the N corner. Outer banks c.6m wide exist along the NE and SE arms of the moat. The original Shotwick Hall was burned down c.1620 and a new hall constructed 150m to the E. All fences and hedges are excluded from the scheduling, however, the ground beneath them is included. 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 moated site of the original Shotwick Hall survives well, the earthworks in particular being well preserved. Despite modern usage as a plantation the island will retain evidence of the original building which occupied it. Additionally organic material will be preserved in the surrounding moat. MONUMENT INCLUDED IN THE SCHEDULE ON 06th November 1991