Monument record 807/1/1 - Drakelow Hall moated site, fishponds & moated enclosure, Rudheath

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Summary

Drakelow Hall moated site is a Scheduled Monument. Also at the site are four fishponds and a further moated enclosure. It is a well preserved homestead moat with a waterlogged base. The interior is under grass and is marked by ridge and furrow. There is no trace of buildings and a causeway across the moat in the northwest side is probably not original. The site was an important Royal demense manor and sanctuary, and was mentioned in 1355. 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.

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Type and Period (3)

Full Description

A well preserved homestead moat up to 1.7m deep with a wet marshy bottom. The interior is under grass & is marked by ridge & furrow. No trace of buildings. A low mutilated causeway on the NW side is probably not original (1). Possibly also same site as an important Royal demesne manor & a sanctuary at Rudheath mentioned in letter dated 1355 to John Delves, acting Justiciar of Chester (2). Almost square platform. Surrounded by moat, 1.7m deep x c.5m wide. Water-filled, except for N side. 1 worked sandstone block has been located in side of bank at S corner (3). A well-preserved moated site with four adjacent fishponds and a rectangular moated enclosure. Main island is c55m square, has slight ridge & furrow and is surrounded by moat 5m wide and 1.7m deep. Dry outlet channel from largest fish pond forms SW & SE arms of a moated enclosure c40m x 18m. Site was an important Royal demense manor and sanctuary, and was mentioned in 1355 (4).


<1> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, 1980 SJ77SW1 (Index). SCH2487.

<2> Chester Archaeological Society, Journal of the Chester Archaeological Society, Booth P H 1979 62/86 (Journal/Periodical). SCH1595.

<3> English Heritage, Various, Old/Original Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Description), /no.120 (Scheduling Record). SCH4606.

<3> English Heritage, Various, Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Amendment), /no.120 (Scheduling Record). SCH2950.

<4> English Heritage, Various, Old/Original Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Description), 13441 (Scheduling Record). SCH4606.

<4> English Heritage, Various, Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Amendment), 13441 (Scheduling Record). SCH2950.

Sources/Archives (6)

  • <1> Index: Ordnance Survey. 1870-1982. Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card. 1980 SJ77SW1.
  • <2> Journal/Periodical: Chester Archaeological Society. Journal of the Chester Archaeological Society. Booth P H 1979 62/86.
  • <3> Scheduling Record: English Heritage. Various. Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Amendment). /no.120.
  • <3> Scheduling Record: English Heritage. Various. Old/Original Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Description). /no.120.
  • <4> Scheduling Record: English Heritage. Various. Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Amendment). 13441.
  • <4> Scheduling Record: English Heritage. Various. Old/Original Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Description). 13441.

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (1)

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Location

Grid reference Centred SJ 704 701 (177m by 176m) Central Point
Map sheet SJ77SW
Historic Township/Parish/County RUDHEATH, DAVENHAM, CHESHIRE
Civil Parish BYLEY, VALE ROYAL, CHESHIRE WEST AND CHESTER

Protected Status/Designation

Record last edited

Sep 10 2021 5:07PM