Monument record 604/1/3 - Site of Abbey Farm Medieval Moat

<1> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, SJ69SE1/1959 (Index). SCH2487.

Old Abbey Farm moat. Much of this moat has now been filled in, but a northward extension from the south-west corner of the moat is shown on the OS 6 inch lst edition of 1845-7 (see source 2).

<2> Ordnance Survey, 1842-1893, Ordnance Survey County Series (Epoch 1) 6 inch to 1 mile - Lancashire, 1845 (Maps and Plans). SCH3844.

<3> Farrer W & Brownbill J, 1906-14, The Victoria County History of the County of Lancaster, 2/548 1908 (Book). SCH3636.

Classified as Homestead Moat by VCH.

<4> Lancaster University Archaeological Unit, 1990, Old Abbey Farm, Risley, Warrington., R2004 (Client Report). SCH4201.

Archaeological and listed building appraisal undertaken in March/April 1990 by the Lancaster Archaeological Unit at Old Abbey Farm, Risley, Cheshire in advance of the development of a waste disposal landfill site. The farmstead at Old Abbey Farm comprises a small moated homestead occupied by a Grade II listed farmhouse dating to the early mid-seventeenth century with later additions. Additionally, beyond the partially infilled moat is a Grade II listed barn also dated to the seventeenth century. The programme of work comprised a geophysical survey of selected areas of the island and moat, a contour survey of the area surrounding the farmhouse, the excavation of seven trenches through the moat and on the moat platform, a building survey of the two listed buildings, and an appraisal of the documentary and cartographic evidence relating to the site.

The geophysical survey was undertaken by University of Durham, it examined two areas for which the recorded anomalies appeared to coincide with the location of the moated enclosure. The anomalies indicate that the moat had been infilled with rubble.

Five trenches were located across the moat to investigate its dimensions and character. It was shown to be circa 5m wide by 3.25m deep, widening at the south-west corner to 10m. Primary silts were still in situ and sterile. Above these were dumps of brick, slate, concrete, redeposited clay, organic debris and twentieth century finds; tip lines could be seen. Oral reports indicate that the moat was cleaned out after World War II and levelled using material from the demolished brick works on Silver Lane, probably in the 1950s. A trench postioned across the south arm of the moat revealed part of a concrete raft, potentially with early deposits below. Two trenches were excavated on the platform, one outside front door of the farmhouse and the other further south. Both trenches showed natural at 0.5m below surface which had been cut by several features. In one trench a surface of flagstones and a cobbled path were revealed together with pottery of early eighteenth century date. Below the path were postholes cut into natural clay, only one was excavated and contained two sherds of potential medieval pottery. These post holes possibly represent the elements of an earlier structure. The other trench revealed several features with complex fills and a long linear feature orientated east-west, possibly relating to a fence or structure.

<5> Lancaster University Archaeological Unit, 1997, Old Abbey Farm, Risley, Cheshire: Archaeological Assessment Report, R2159 (Client Report). SCH4056.

Further archaeological assessment undertaken at Old Abbey Farm between June 1994 and February 1995. The work comprised further documentary research, field survey, the recording and demolition of the grade II listed farmhouse and barn, also excavation of the farmhouse footings, the moated platform, the causeway and moat, and selected areas outwith the moat.

<6> Lancaster University Archaeological Unit, 1999, Old Abbey Farm, Risley, near Warrington, Cheshire: Building Survey and Excavation at a Medieval Moated Site, R2306 (Client Report). SCH3961.

Final reports produced in 1999 for the programme of recording at Old Abbey Farmhouse, 1994 - 1995. The multi-disciplinary analysis of the results, together with a programme of dendrochronological sampling, has allowed a single account of the chronology and development of the site to be constructed.

Re-used medieval timbers in the farmhouse suggest the presence of an open aisled hall, with a steeply pitched roof, on the site in the thirteenth or very early fourteenth century. In the late medieval period it is probable that the aisles were removed and new timber-framing built below the arcade plates. An excavated clay floor either relates to the modified hall, or perhaps an earlier structure. The moat and platform could not be independently dated, but appear to be at least as old as the re-used timbers (see also 604/1/3). It is not clear how the moat was crossed in the earlier medieval period, but waterlogged timbers recovered demonstrate that a substantial timber bridge was constructed in the mid fifteenth century. Documentary sources indicate that the site lay at the centre of the manorial estate of Pesfurlong, founded in the mid-thirteenth century (see also 604/1/0). A crosswing was added to the hall in the mid-sixteenth century; elements of the timber frame were found within the farmhouse and represent the earliest in situ remains. The footings of a sandstone bridge may also date to this period. From the mid-seventeenth century to the mid-eighteenth century, the house was subject to piecemeal underpinning and rebuilding in brick. The brick Lancashire-type barn (see also 604/1/2) was also built at this time.

<7> UK Waste Management Ltd, Risley Moated Site The Story So Far (Booklet-Leaflet). SCH4562.