Monument record 1885 - Foulk Stapleford moated site

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Summary

Moat probably represents site of the Manor of Foulk Stapleford, which appears as a whole in Domesday, but by the 12th century it had been split between Bruen Stapleford & Foulk Stapleford. It was held by the de Orreby's, Breretons & Bruens. By the early 16th century thesite ceased to be in use as residence. Moat square,80-85m across with rounded corners. Situated in open pastureland & bounded by River Gowy to E & disused mill race to W. Ditch 18-20m wide,1.3-1.8m deep. Moat platform 47-50m across, 0.3m above ground surface & level. Counterscarp bank 10m wide x 2m high well preserved on SE side & just traceable on NE. Ridge & furrow round moat, bounded on E by scarp marking old course of River Gowy & on N by similar scarp. May have defined closed areas attached to moated residence. Moat now dry, NW angle damaged by mill leat. No trace of internal habitation & no causeway. Since 1947, whole site has been overploughed but despite this the profile is relatively undamaged. Moated Sites are characterised by a waterlogged ditch that encloses a platform of land where buildings were built though they were also used for horticulture e.g. orchards. They were most popular in medieval times though not necessarily for the defensive advantages of being on an island as they were also seen as a sign of prestige. There are approximately 6000 across England with over 200 moated sites in Cheshire alone.

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Type and Period (2)

Full Description

Moat probably represents site of Manor of Foulk Stapleford, which appears as a whole in Domesday, but by C12 had been split between Bruen Stapleford & Foulk Stapleford. It was held by the de Orreby's, Breretons & Bruens. By early C16, site ceased to be in use as residence. Moat square, 80-85m across with rounded corners. Situated in open pastureland & bounded by River Gowy to E & disused mill race to W. Ditch 18-20m wide,1.3-1.8m deep. Moat platform 47-50m across, 0.3m above ground surface & level. Counterscarp bank 10m wide x 2m high well preserved on SE side & just traceable on NE. Ridge & furrow round moat, bounded on E by scarp marking old course of River Gowy & on N by similar scarp. May have defined closed areas attached to moated residence. Moat now dry, NW angle damaged by mill leat. No trace of internal habitation & no causeway. Since 1947, whole site has been overploughed (1),(2) & (3). Despite overploughing, profile is relatively undamaged (8). For air photos see SRW Foulk Stapleford 1,4 & 5 (7).


<1> Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England (RCHME), 1986, Foulk Stapleford Moat (Unpublished Report). SCH1246.

<2> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, SJ46SE2 1986 (Index). SCH2487.

<3> Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England (RCHME), 1985, Plan, Foulk Stapleford moated site- 1:1000 reduced to 1:2500 (Graphic Material). SCH2648.

<4> Ormerod, G., 1882, The History of the County Palatine and City of Chester, Ormerod G 1882 2/802-6 (Book). SCH1389.

<5> Chester Courant, 1878-1990, The Cheshire Sheaf, 20/9 1923 (Newspaper-Magazine). SCH3105.

<6> Unknown, Various, Record Society of Lancashire & Cheshire, 84/92 & 95 1934 (Book). SCH2812.

<7> Various, Aerial photographs, Stapleford Williams S R 1983 (Aerial Photograph). SCH128.

<8> English Heritage, Various, Old/Original Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Description), 13457 (Scheduling Record). SCH4606.

<8> English Heritage, Various, Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Amendment), 13457 (Scheduling Record). SCH2950.

Sources/Archives (9)

  • <1> Unpublished Report: Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England (RCHME). 1986. Foulk Stapleford Moat.
  • <2> Index: Ordnance Survey. 1870-1982. Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card. SJ46SE2 1986.
  • <3> Graphic Material: Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England (RCHME). 1985. Plan, Foulk Stapleford moated site- 1:1000 reduced to 1:2500.
  • <4> Book: Ormerod, G.. 1882. The History of the County Palatine and City of Chester. Ormerod G 1882 2/802-6.
  • <5> Newspaper-Magazine: Chester Courant. 1878-1990. The Cheshire Sheaf. N/A. 20/9 1923.
  • <6> Book: Unknown. Various. Record Society of Lancashire & Cheshire. 84/92 & 95 1934.
  • <7> Aerial Photograph: Various. Aerial photographs. Stapleford Williams S R 1983.
  • <8> Scheduling Record: English Heritage. Various. Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Amendment). 13457.
  • <8> Scheduling Record: English Heritage. Various. Old/Original Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Description). 13457.

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (1)

External Links (0)

Location

Grid reference SJ 484 640 (point) 8 Figure Ref
Map sheet SJ46SE
Civil Parish FOULK STAPLEFORD, CHESTER, CHESHIRE WEST AND CHESTER
Historic Township/Parish/County FOULK STAPLETON, TARVIN, CHESHIRE

Protected Status/Designation

Record last edited

Jun 10 2019 3:51PM