Monument record 183/3 - Hall Bank moated site, Wybunbury

<1> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, Waggott T, 1964, SJ74NW5 (Index). SCH2487.

Well-preserved homestead moat, known as Hall Bank. Square moat, with counterscarp banks to south and east. Contains a platform 60m square. This has an L-shaped scarp 0.6m high which might be modern in origin. It is approached from the church to the west by an earthen causeway 4m wide c. 0.5m high

<2> Various, Aerial photographs, S.R. Williams, 1979 (Aerial Photograph). SCH128.

There are two moated sites close to the church, one must be the manor house, the other the rectory. For air photos, see S.R. Williams, Wybunbury 1 & 3 & 621.

<3> English Heritage, Various, Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Amendment), 13438, 10/06/1991 (Scheduling Record). SCH2950.

Dry moat up to 12m wide x 1-2m deep surrounds island and wide outer bank encircling moat has outlet channels cut through it at SW and SE corners. Substantial raised causeway c9m wide approaches from the W. Site lies to E of St Chad's church and is in close proximity to another moated site (RN:183/2).

<4> Historic England, 2011, The National Heritage List for England, 1012118 (Web Site). SCH6528.

The monument known as Hall Bank lies E of St Chad's church and is a well preserved moated site approached by a long earthen causeway. The site consists of a raised island c.60m square upon which is an L-shaped scarp defining an elevated area interpreted as marking the position of the original hall. A dry moat up to 12m wide x 1-2m deep surrounds the island, and a wide outer bank encircling the moat has outlet channels cut through it at the SW and SE corners. An unusual feature at this site is a substantial raised causeway c.9m wide approaching from the W and leading to the outer edge of the moat from where a bridge or drawbridge would have provided access into the interior. A second moated site of similar form lies 200m to the SW. Most moats were constructed between 1250-1350 and are generally seen as the prestigious residences of the Lords of the manor. The moat in such circumstances marked the high status of the occupier, but also served to deter casual raiders and wild animals. All field boundaries are excluded from the scheduling, however, the ground beneath these features is included.