Monument record 1978/3/1 - Dodleston Hall moated site

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Summary

Dodleston Hall. Sold by Richard Grosvenor c.1582 to Sir Thomas Egerton (later Lord Chancellor), who occasionally resided at Dodleston. The hall, built chiefly of timber was pulled down c.1788 and a farmhouse built on the site. The moat is complete except for the area occupied by buildings and gardens in south-west corner. Moat from 7-10m wide and has an average depth of 1m. Possible original causeway on south-east side. No traces of buildings within the enclosed area which is pasture. The C16 Dodleston Hall referred to in has been sited to the center of the enclosed area. Moat is now drained apart from north corner (3). Site is unusually large example with grassy island orig measuring c150m x / 110m & enclosing c1.6ha. Dry moat on 3 sides 7-10m wide and 1m max depth. Access via causeway across SE arm. Inner bank c 6m x 0.2m high flanks NE arm and outer bank 12m wide x 0.2m high flanks SW arm. Island occupied in 16th C by timber built Dodleston Hall, owned by Sir Thomas Egerton. Hall demolished c1788 and farmhouse erected. 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 (3)

Full Description

<1> Lysons D & Lysons S, 1806-22, Magna Britannia, Lysons D & S 1810 2/pt 2/651 (Book). SCH2066.

<2> Ormerod, G., 1882, The History of the County Palatine and City of Chester, Ormerod G 18822/847 (Book). SCH1389.

Dodleston Hall. Sold by Richard Grosvenor c.1582 to Sir Thomas Egerton (later Lord Chancellor), who occasionally resided at Dodleston. The hall, built chiefly of timber was pulled down c.1788 and a farmhouse built on the site (1) & (2).

<3> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, SJ36SE3 1975 (Index). SCH2487.

The moat is complete except for the area occupied by buildings and gardens in south-west corner. Moat from 7-10m wide and has an average depth of 1m. Possible original causeway on south-east side. No traces of buildings within the enclosed area which is pasture. The C16 Dodleston Hall referred to in (1) has been sited to the center of the enclosed area. Moat is now drained apart from north corner.

<4> Various, Aerial photographs, /3224 RAF 1947 (Aerial Photograph). SCH128.

Moated site and its setting within fields of reverse S ridge & furrow shows very clearly on 1947 RAF photographs.

<5> Various, Aerial photographs, Dodleston 2 Williams S R 1977 (Aerial Photograph). SCH128.

Moated site and its setting within fields of reverse S ridge & furrow shows very clearly on Rhys Williams photos

<6> English Heritage, Various, Old/Original Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Description), 13455 (Scheduling Record). SCH4606.

<6> English Heritage, Various, Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Amendment), 13455 (Scheduling Record). SCH2950.

Site is unusually large example with grassy island orig measuring c150m x / 110m & enclosing c1.6ha. Dry moat on 3 sides 7-10m wide and 1m max depth. Access via causeway across SE arm. Inner bank c 6m x 0.2m high flanks NE arm and outer bank 12m wide x 0.2m high flanks SW arm. Island occupied in 16th C by timber built Dodleston Hall, owned by Sir Thomas Egerton. Hall demolished c1788 and farmhouse erected

Sources/Archives (7)

  • <1> Book: Lysons D & Lysons S. 1806-22. Magna Britannia. Lysons D & S 1810 2/pt 2/651.
  • <2> Book: Ormerod, G.. 1882. The History of the County Palatine and City of Chester. Ormerod G 18822/847.
  • <3> Index: Ordnance Survey. 1870-1982. Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card. SJ36SE3 1975.
  • <4> Aerial Photograph: Various. Aerial photographs. /3224 RAF 1947.
  • <5> Aerial Photograph: Various. Aerial photographs. Dodleston 2 Williams S R 1977.
  • <6> Scheduling Record: English Heritage. Various. Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Amendment). 13455.
  • <6> Scheduling Record: English Heritage. Various. Old/Original Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Description). 13455.

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

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Location

Grid reference Centred SJ 361 614 (233m by 207m) 8 Figure Ref
Map sheet SJ36SE
Civil Parish DODLESTON, CHESTER, CHESHIRE WEST AND CHESTER
Historic Township/Parish/County DODLESTON, DODLESTON, CHESHIRE

Protected Status/Designation

Record last edited

Sep 23 2024 4:43PM