Monument record 515/1 - Rixton Old Hall Moated Site

<1> Carter G A, 1971, Warrington and the Mid-Mersey Valley, /55-56 (Book). SCH3679.

Lords of the Manor were called Rixton. The name of Alan de Rixton occurs in records repeatedly between 1200 and 1332, so that successive Lords of the Manor bore the same name. In 1384 William de Rixton sold all his lands in Rixton to Richard de Mascy. The Mascy family lived at Rixton Hall, until the 18th century, although in reduced circumstances due to penalties inflicted because they were Roman Catholics

<2> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, SJ68NE2/1962 (Index). SCH2487.

Part of the moat which surrounded the manor house is still visible. It is water filled and in good condition. Sides are mainly precipitous with the water level approx lm below the interior level. A modern access to the interior probably utilizes the original entrance. No foundations of manor house visible

<3> English Heritage, Various, Old/Original Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Description), 23640 (Scheduling Record). SCH4606.

<3> English Heritage, Various, Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Amendment), 23640 (Scheduling Record). SCH2950.

The monument is Rixton Old Hall medieval moated site. It includes a sub-rectangular island surrounded by a waterlogged moat. Thirteenth-century documentary sources indicate that it once formed part of the medieval village of Rixton. The island's maximum dimensions measure approximately 70m by 55m and it contains earthworks in its northern half that include two levelled areas: the larger measuring c.15m by 12m and surrounded on three sides by a low bank up to 0.3m high and 1m wide; the smaller measuring approximately 8m square. The surrounding moat has mainly precipitous sides with the water level approximately 1m below the interior level. It varies in width between 14m-30m and is widest at the south-eastern corner. Access to the island is by a modern brick bridge that is thought to be on the site of the original entrance. The village of Rixton is mentioned in 13th-century documents. Between 1200 and 1332 successive lords of the manor were named Alan de Rixton. In 1384 William de Rixton sold all his lands in Rixton to Richard de Mascy and the Mascy family lived at Rixton Hall until the 18th century. The present house lies immediately to the south of the moat and was constructed in 1822. The extent and survival of any other remains of the deserted village are not presently known and hence not included in the scheduling

<4> Lewis J, 2000, The Medieval Earthworks of the Hundred of West Derby (Monograph). SCH3778.

The estate was held by the Rixton family and their successors, the Mascys who appear to have held the lordship of the whole of Rixton and half of Glazebrook. The present hall was built c.1822 when it may have replaced a building standing on the moat platform. The moat is complete c.10-20m wide with an entrance on the south accessed by a stone bridge. It accords with the plan on the tithe. The platform is approximately 1m above water level and shows no visible evidence for buildings. Possibly the site has been subject to landscaping. The site is very close to the banks of the Mersey