Monument record 1108 - Alsager Moat

<1> Moated Sites Research Group, 1971-86, Moated Sites Research Group Report, Cooper J 1986 (Report). SCH5202.

The site was identified from the field name ‘The Moat’ recorded on the tithe map and award (see 3). Subsequent field visits confirmed the existence of all four arms of the moat, two of which are extremely wide. There appeared to be a causeway across the north-west corner of the moat, however, this is not visible on aerial photographs dating from the 1940s (see 4), so is probably modern infilling. In this photograph, the wide sections show up as two rectangular appendages which may have been fish ponds. Hedgerow species identified in the surrounding hedgerows, suggest they date from the medieval period. Includes plan and profile.

<2> Wilson D et al, 1973-1986, Moated Sites Research Group Records, no.4382 (Paper Archive). SCH2205.

<3> Various, Aerial photographs, RAF 1947 (Aerial Photograph). SCH128.

Three rectangular depressions are clearly visible. They appear interconnected and surround a rectangular platform of a similar shape and size.

<4> See map for surveyor, c.1837-51, Cheshire Tithe Maps and Awards, EDT 12/2 1840 (Maps and Plans). SCH3266.

Field named 'The Moat'.

<5> Ordnance Survey, 1871-1882, Ordnance Survey County Series (Epoch 1) 25 inch to 1 mile - Cheshire, SJ8054 - 1876-1895 (Maps and Plans). SCH2462.

The south-western rectangular earthwork is depicted as wet woodland.

<6> Various, Written Communication to the HER, Kehow, T 07/02/2014 (Written Communication). SCH3756.

In a local village magazine (see 7) there was recently published part of a diary of James Caldwell of Linley Wood, Alsager. He owned the greater majority of land in the vicinity, including Prospect Hill. This covered the area later shown as Moat Field and half of the golf course. An entry for 2th Feb 1818 reports the starting of taking marl from the area of Prospect Hill. There is a pond on the course which might have been a marl pit but I wondered if there had been a pit closer to Merelake Road which later became known as the Moat.

<7> Good News Publishing, Various, Alsager in Focus, p.20-21 (Newsletter). SCH7406.

James Caldwell recorded in his diary for February 2nd 1818 that he had begun marling Prospect Hill. Also records on the 12 th the death of one of the team extracting the marl.