Monument record 1986 - Moated site, fishpond & connecting channel, Elton

<1> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, SJ47SE5 1976 (Index). SCH2487.

Almost square moat, with rounded corners. Approx. 60m square, the ditch has a maximum depth of 1.7m internally & 1.5m externally. The original limits of the ditch are not clearly defined on the west side, where a field bank bounds the enclosure. The ditch on this side is marshy, but is connected by a modern drain to a pond on the NW side of the enclosure. Elsewhere the ditch is dry & very well defined, except on the east side where the outer scarp is somewhat spread. On the N side there are traces of what appears to be a causeway across the ditch. Local tradition of a house on the platform, but no traces of internal habitation are visible. A local elderly farmer reported ploughing the platform & removing square blocks of stone from the site (1)

<2> English Heritage, Various, Old/Original Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Description), /no.112 (Scheduling Record). SCH4606.

. Moat best defined & deepest on W side. Protected from ploughing down by a hedge boundary on external edge of moat. Dip in ground level outside moat on E side may indicate previous drain, ditch or pond (2

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

The monument at Elton comprises a moated site possessing a causeway and outer banks with an adjoining fishpond and connecting channel. The moated site at Elton consists of a slightly raised island c.30m square from which some stone foundations have in the past been removed. The island is surrounded on all sides by a moat c.12m wide x 1.7m max. depth. The W arm is marshy but elsewhere the moat is dry. A causeway gives access to the island across the N arm of the moat and wide outer banks exist on the N and S sides of the moat. A short distance to the N is a waterlogged/silted fishpond linked to the NW corner of the moat by a channel now utilised by a modern field drain. Most moats were constructed between 1250-1350 and are generally seen as the prestigious residences of the Lords of the manor. The moat in such circumstances marked the high status of the occupier and also served to deter casual raiders and wild animals. The hedged field boundary at the W of the monument is excluded from the scheduling, however, the ground beneath it is included.