Monument record 299 - Moathouse Farm

<1> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, SJ55 NE 5 (Index). SCH2487.

The field inspector recorded in 1964: "This feature is probably an L shaped ornamental pond. Its stone lining is of one period and the narrow east arm opening out like a bell is not compatable with a moat. Nor is the obtuse angle created by the existing sides. There is no trace of a north or west side."

<2> Ormerod, G., 1882, The History of the County Palatine and City of Chester, Vol. 2 p.281 (Book). SCH1389.

"A farm house called the moat-house, from a large moat which it is surrounded, and probably occupying the site of the old mansion of the Alprahams.."

<3> Latham F A, 1969, Alpraham: the history of a Cheshire village, p.20-21 (Book). SCH230.

A scrapbook of 1811 records that "the mansion of the Pages had been surrounded by a moat which is still visible". This is identified by the author as Moat House Farm which had a building on the site circa 1749. The present farm was built just before 1840. the pages lived in the district during the 15th and 16th centuries.

<4> County Historic Environment Record, 1973-1985, Cheshire Archaeological Bulletin, No.2 p.8 (Journal/Periodical). SCH565.

Aberg and Wilson list the site as a moat.

<5> Wilson D et al, 1973-1986, Moated Sites Research Group Records, 15/09/1983 (Paper Archive). SCH2205.

Only two sides of the moat remain. The entrance is a wooden footbridge and the buildings are eighteenth century.

<6> See map for surveyor, c.1837-51, Cheshire Tithe Maps and Awards, EDT 11/2 1839 (Maps and Plans). SCH3266.

The tithe map for Alpraham township clearly depicts a square moat with bridges/causeways on it south eastern and north western sides.