Monument record 651/1/1 - Whitley Hall

Remains of possible moat, identified from aerial photographs close to Whitley Hall. Only 2 sides are visible, the north and east sides. The east side is marshy and has a retaining wall. Retaining wall up to 0.7m high on inner E edge. What may have been the S side is occupied by a lane, but there is no trace on W side. E side is marshy. 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.