Monument record 762/1/2 - Marton Grange

Moat of the medieval grange & the post medieval manor of Marton. Moat of 2 phases, 1st course lies within later course. Excavations in 1971 produced finds of late medieval pottery, 16th C glass, a stamped pewter plate, 2 wooden balls, a leather sandal and large quantities of timber, branches and twigs. At the end of 16th C moat was enlarged. Material from a new ditch dug at SE of island was used to fill earlier moat. Tudor builders cut a saw pit into silt of old moat (1). Moat still remains, enclosing an area of c.1 acre. Has vertical scarps upto 3m high on north, west & south. On east, scarp is spread and unportrayable. On south, east & part of north, inner scarps are grass covered. No trace of buildings. Moat is mainly water-filled (2). Rect island c68m x 37m is surr by a largely stone-lined waterlogged moat 6- 18m wide & 1.5m deep. Moat was enlarged in 16th C. Access is via brick & sandstone bridge across the E arm. 2 brick pillars flank entrance & brick wall along island's NE edge. 2 partially waterlogged outlet channels issue from the N side & NE corner of the moat, leading to fishponds. (See 762/1/3 for full description of fishponds.) (3)

<1> County Historic Environment Record, 1973-1985, Cheshire Archaeological Bulletin, 2/26-29 Curzon J B 1974 (Journal/Periodical). SCH565.

<2> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, SJ66NW2/1964 (Index). SCH2487.

<3> English Heritage, Various, Old/Original Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Description), 13519 (Scheduling Record). SCH4606.

<3> English Heritage, Various, Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Amendment), 13519 (Scheduling Record). SCH2950.