Monument record 1874/1/3 - Lower Huxley Hall moated site

Moat at Lower Huxley Hall. Hall is completely surrounded by a broad moat fed by the Gowy river which runs close by (1). The moat averages 9-10m wide and is still water-filled throughout. A channel leading downslope towards the moat from the south-west, through a ploughed field, is the obvious water supply. The chancel is c.3m wide and 0.2-0.3m deep. The River Gowy could not have supplied water to the moat, because it is some 0.5m lower (2). Moated site, island of which is occupied by Lower Huxley Hall, its gardens & lawns. Island is sub-square and c40m across. Surface by waterlogged moat 9-14m in width, & partially lined by sandstone wall. Access is via late med bridge across NW arm (see 1874/1/2) or 2nd bridge over NE arm. Traces of outer bank flanking SE & NE arms, the former c12m wide, the latter c 6m. Present house is late 15th C & poss had Jacobean formal garden at one time (3).

Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England (RCHME), 1986, Huxley: Lower Huxley Hall (Client Report). SCH6602.

<1> Chester Courant, 1878-1990, The Cheshire Sheaf, 16/61-3 JHEB 1919 (Newspaper-Magazine). SCH3105.

<2> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, SJ46Se1 1986 (Index). SCH2487.

<3> English Heritage, Various, Old/Original Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Description), 13458 (Scheduling Record). SCH4606.

<3> English Heritage, Various, Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Amendment), 13458 (Scheduling Record). SCH2950.