Monument record 2012/1/2 - Moat, potential site of Capenhurst Old Hall

<1> Ormerod, G., 1882, The History of the County Palatine and City of Chester, Vol 2, p.570 (Book). SCH1389.

Capenhurst. The old hall, an edifice composed of timber and plaister in the style of the beginning of the 17th century was taken down shortly after the purchase of Mr. Richardson.

<2> Sulley, P, 1889, The Hundred of Wirral, p.165 (Book). SCH3174.

The township of Capenhurst was sold in 1790 to Richard Richardson Esq. The old hall, a large building of wood and plaster, surrounded by a moat, was pulled down early in the last century.

<3> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, SJ37SE3 (Index). SCH2487.

A field visit dated 16.7.59 observed 'The present farm and its outbuildings are apparently entirely modern. The moat has been largely filled with rubbish, and only a small portion of the west side remains as a recognizable feature, averaging 9.0m wide and 0.5m deep. This portion terminates in the north in a modern pond. The outer S.W. corner of the moat has been pierced, apparently for drainage purposes, leaving an 8m wide gap. The S.E.angle has been entirely filled with rubble, and a moat-like feature has formed along the outer perimeter. The original limits of the northern half of the moat could not be determined.'

A further visit dated 14.8.64 observed 'Further filling in has almost obliterated this feature.

<4> Ordnance Survey, 1896-1898, Ordnance Survey First Revision County Series (Epoch 2) 25 inch to 1 mile - Cheshire (Maps and Plans). SCH3848.

The southern arm, together with parts of the western and eastern arms of the moat and the pond/marl pit are clearly depicted on the Ordnance Survey 1st edition 25" to 1 mile map

<5> Various, Various, Oral communication to the HER, R Edwards 25/05/09 (Oral Communication). SCH2330.

The northern extent of the moat has been estimated for HER mapping purposes

<6> Wilson D et al, 1973-1986, Moated Sites Research Group Records (Paper Archive). SCH2205.