Monument record 1035/1/1 - Moated site and fishponds 500m SE of Eaton

Moated site at Rushton, probably the site of Rushton Hall. Sited in a field along the Hall Lane. Rushton Hall was probably medieval, but was rebuilt in the 17th century. Rushton Hall was held by the Hinton family. In 1864, it was sold to P. de M.Grey-Egerton, who is now proprietor of the Rushton Hall Estate (1882) (1). Rectangular moated site in pasture field. Lowlying platform, orientated NW-SE. Moat 1.50m deep and marshy, though not water-filled. 9-10m wide on NW & SW sides. No trace of buildings on level platform, some 55m x 36m in extent. A second moat, parallel to 2 sides of platform, surrounds NW & NE sides of site. This was probably a fishpond. To SE some 34m from the edge of the moat there are traces of an outer field bank parallel with the SE side of the moat (2). For air photos, see SRW Eaton-by- Tarporley 1, Rushton l & 2 & 70 (4). As described above. Also dry fishpond on SW & outer bank 10m x 0.5m flanking NW & SW arms.(5)

<1> Ormerod, G., 1882, The History of the County Palatine and City of Chester, 2/239+242 (Y) (Book). SCH1389.

<2> English Heritage, Various, Old/Original Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Description), /No.115 (Scheduling Record). SCH4606.

<2> English Heritage, Various, Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Amendment), /No.115 (Scheduling Record). SCH2950.

<3> County Historic Environment Record, 1973-1985, Cheshire Archaeological Bulletin, 6/17 Williams S R 1978 (Journal/Periodical). SCH565.

<4> Various, Aerial photographs, 13460 Williams S R 1976 (Aerial Photograph). SCH128.

<5> English Heritage, Various, Old/Original Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Description) (Scheduling Record). SCH4606.

<5> English Heritage, Various, Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Amendment) (Scheduling Record). SCH2950.