Monument record 1679/1/2 - Moat at Overton Hall

Moat at Overton Hall. Moat enclosed an area of c.1 acre, the greater part of which was filled up by 1882. In front of the house was a very old pointed arch of stone over the moat. 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.