Monument record 268/2 - Monks Lane moated site, Acton

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Summary

Scheduled Monument. A square moat, enclosing a platform that is believed to be the site of a medieval vicarage. Access to the platform is by a causeway. The moat is waterlogged and measures 10 metres wide and 1.5 metres deep. 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.

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Type and Period (4)

Full Description

Square Moat, enclosing platform 40 by 32m. Stands 1.5m above water filled moat up to 10m wide. Low causeway at centre of east side may be original and points towards church. Hall reports it to be believed that it is the site of the medieval vicarage (1). Air photos suggest possible fishpond to south. Air photos - Acton 2, 6, 7, 8 (3). Raised island 40m x 20m believed to have been site of medieval vicarage. Sq hollow in W half indicates area of limited excavations. Waterlogged moat up to 10m wide and 1.5m deep into which small weir has recently been constructed at NE corner. Access to island is via causeway in centre of E arm.(4)


<1> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, White J 1964 SJ65SW5 (Index). SCH2487.

<2> Chester Archaeological Society, Journal of the Chester Archaeological Society, Hall J 1980 15/64 (Journal/Periodical). SCH1595.

<3> Various, Aerial photographs, Acton 2 6 7 & 8 Williams S R 1977 (Aerial Photograph). SCH128.

<4> English Heritage, Various, Old/Original Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Description), 13437 (Scheduling Record). SCH4606.

<4> English Heritage, Various, Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Amendment), 13437 (Scheduling Record). SCH2950.

Sources/Archives (5)

  • <1> Index: Ordnance Survey. 1870-1982. Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card. White J 1964 SJ65SW5.
  • <2> Journal/Periodical: Chester Archaeological Society. Journal of the Chester Archaeological Society. Hall J 1980 15/64.
  • <3> Aerial Photograph: Various. Aerial photographs. Acton 2 6 7 & 8 Williams S R 1977.
  • <4> Scheduling Record: English Heritage. Various. Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Amendment). 13437.
  • <4> Scheduling Record: English Heritage. Various. Old/Original Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Description). 13437.

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (1)

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Location

Grid reference SJ 629 531 (point) 8 Figure Ref
Map sheet SJ65SW
Civil Parish ACTON, CREWE AND NANTWICH, CHESHIRE EAST
Historic Township/Parish/County ACTON, ACTON, CHESHIRE

Protected Status/Designation

Record last edited

Nov 10 2022 12:51PM