Monument record 1385/1/2 - White Hall Moat

<1> Lancashire & Cheshire Antiquarian Society, 1883 -, Transactions of the Lancashire & Cheshire Antiquarian Society, 25/152 Harrison W 1907 (Journal/Periodical). SCH3293.

Site of moat at White Hall. Included in a list of homestead moats.

<2> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, SJ87NW3/1964 (Index). SCH2487.

What appears to be an arm of a moat is shown on the OS 6inch map 1882.

<3> Wilson D et al, 1973-1986, Moated Sites Research Group Records (Paper Archive). SCH2205.

No trace of moat today.

<4> Gifford and Partners, 1992, Report on an Archaeological Evaluation at Whitehall Site, Wilmslow, Cheshire (Client Report). SCH5010.

An archaeological evaluation was undertaken in 1992, at the site of the moated manor at White Hall, in advance of the construction of the A34 Wilmslow by-pass. The evaluation comprised a geophysical and ground probing radar survey (Stratascan) followed by the excavation of five trenches.

Whilst not defining the position of the moat the trenches recorded various archaeological deposits/features, those which could be dated relate to activity from the 17th century onwards and include culverts, a line of sandstone blocks and bricks possibly representing a foundation or narrow path, also deposits of demolition debris and a 4m wide ditch interpreted as a 19th century land drain. A ditch and pit found in Trench 2 was interpreted as earlier, possibly medieval, features.

<5> Gifford and Partners, 1994, Report on an Archaeological Watching Brief at White Hall Moated Site, Wilslow, Cheshire., R2059 (Client Report). SCH4138.

A watching brief in 1994 identified the site and form of the moat after topsoil stripping. Three sample sections of moat were then mechanically excavated and recorded. The lowest waterlogged fill contained 18th century material. The moat appears to have remained open with standing water until the late 18th/early 19th century. It was back-filled in the early 20th century with re-deposited clay, apart from the south-west arm, which remained in use as a pond until filled with refuse early in the 20th century.