Monument record 798/2 - Whatcroft Hall Moat

<1> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, SJ66 NE (M) (Index). SCH2487.

Probable ornamental pond (TPW 23/02/1962).

<2> Higham N J, 1984-9, Professor Nick Higham's Aerial Photographs, NJH 3487/10-11 (Aerial Photograph). SCH7659.

<3> See map for surveyor, c.1837-51, Cheshire Tithe Maps and Awards, EDT424/2, 1838 (Maps and Plans). SCH3266.

The moat is depicted and is described as a garden. The bridge or causeway across the moat is on the eastern side.

<4> Ordnance Survey, 1871-1882, Ordnance Survey County Series (Epoch 1) 25 inch to 1 mile - Cheshire, SJ6869, 1875-1876 (Maps and Plans). SCH2462.

The moat is depicted, but appears enlarged in comparison to (3). A footbridge in the south-west corner provides access to the island, which contains a grotto and a rockery.

<5> Ormerod, G., 1882, The History of the County Palatine and City of Chester, Vol.III p.260-1 (Book). SCH1389.

Identifies Whatcroft as a medieval manor first documented in the thirteenth century. Notes that the grounds have been recently enlarged and improved (1817).

<6> Various, Various, Oral communication to the HER, Edwards R, 05/09/2017 (Oral Communication). SCH2330.

As a medieval manor, it is reasonable to expect a moat at Whatcroft. I suspect the moat has been remodelled to form part of the nineteenth century gardens surrounding the Hall. The original SMR record suggested that Whatcroft was a shrunken medieval village, but no sources were recorded as evidence.

<7> Cheshire Gardens Trust, 2011 onwards, Research and Recording Report, Whatcroft Hall (2017) p.4 (Report). SCH6655.

‘Before it was enlarged, the hall was a smaller house which faced south and overlooked wide lawns towards a large circular moat enclosing an island... Upon this said island is built a round and dome like hut, inside of which is lined with thousands of sea shells set in designs completely covering walls and ceilings.’ The door bore a poem referring to the building as a grotto. The hut had two windows glazed with coloured glass, and a small fireplace and chimney. The decorative shell work was undertaken by Elizabeth, Sarah, Emma and Lucy, daughters of Mr J Topping.

<8> Dodgson J McN, 1970-2, 1981, The Place-Names of Cheshire, Vol.II p.215 (Book). SCH3228.

Earliest documentary reference dates from 1255.