Monument record 1770/1/2 - Grafton deserted medieval village & ornamental pond

<1> County Historic Environment Record, 1973-1985, Cheshire Archaeological Bulletin, 10/19-21 Bennett B et al 1984 (Journal/Periodical). SCH565.

Ornamental moat in a field called Malkin Oaks, to the west of Grafton Hall. Moat approx 32m long & 19m wide. The internal platform is the same height as the surrounding pasture land & is surrounded by a shallow moat from 2-8m wide. Parts of the edges are ill-defined & uneven.

<2> County Historic Environment Record, 1973-1985, Cheshire Archaeological Bulletin, 9/73-75 Williams S R 1983 (Journal/Periodical). SCH565.

Possibly a purely ornamental feature at the end of a vista along the drive from Grafton Hall.

<3> Various, Aerial photographs, Grafton 2-6 Williams S R 1983 (Aerial Photograph). SCH128.

<4> English Heritage, Various, Old/Original Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Description), 13517 (Scheduling Record). SCH4606.

<4> English Heritage, Various, Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Amendment), 13517 (Scheduling Record). SCH2950.

Sub-rectangular island 36m x 26m surrounded by shallow, boggy moat 2- 8m wide and 0.5m deep. A dry outlet channel 37m long, 4m wide, & 0.5m deep runs from the moat's eastern side.

<5> Higham N J, 2001, Grafton New Hall: Landscape History and Archaeology - and - Preliminary Report on Supplementary Archaeological Investigations (Client Report). SCH4474.

A slight and unfinished moat, 32 x 19 m , dig into the DMV, which has ben interpreted as probably an ornamental moat associated with the early 17th century New Hall. It would have been clearly visible from the upstairs windows and driveway and may have been intended to add an aura of antiquity and gentility to the site, in line with the numerous moated sites being abandoned at about this date elsewhere in the county which then became parkland features (as Tabley). The upcast was not deposited on the central platform but some of the adjacent mounds may have been formed at this date.