Monument record 1951/2/3 - Field system at Bruera Moat

Outside Bruera moat (to the north, west and south) is a larger area defined by scarps 0.3-0.6m high. It formed the curia associated with the moat and was subdivided into large closes, presumably containing cow-houses and orchards etc. Within the enclosed area are short lengths of broad ridge & furrow, suggesting the area may have originated as ploughed land. In the northern close are three rectangular ponds. At the southwest corner of the moat, a ditch cutting through the outer bank formed a channel to carry away water. It continued south, possibly as far as Boat Lane, where a similar ditch joins this one at right angles from the west. It may be an integral part of the layout and indicates the curia boundary extended to the west to include a further close (1). For air photos, see SRW Buerton 3/0164, 3/0170, 3/0177, 3/0181, 3/0191 & 3/0192 (3).

<1> Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England (RCHME), 1986, Moat & Settlement Remains at Bruera (Unpublished Report). SCH2200.

<2> English Heritage, Various, Old/Original Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Description), 48 (Scheduling Record). SCH4606.

<3> Williams SR, 1970s-1980s, Rhys Williams' Aerial Photographs, 3/0164, 3/0170, 3/0177, 3/0181, 3/0191 & 3/0192 (Aerial Photograph). SCH4607.

<4> English Heritage, Various, Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Amendment), 13442 (Scheduling Record). SCH2950.