Monument record 2020/1/2 - Lea Old Hall

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Summary

Moat at site of Lea Old Hall. Only a small portion of the south side is extant and this is almost infilled. A hollow 25m long and too widespread to be surveyed is probably part of the south side. A pond extending from N to S may incorporate the west side of the moat, but it has evidently been widened & elongated. It now forms part of an ornamental garden. No part of the N of E sides of the moat could be traced. 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.

Map

Type and Period (2)

Full Description

<1> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, SJ37SE4 (Index). SCH2487.

Site visit dated 09/07/1959, comments:- 'Lea Hall appears to be modern with no trace of the former building. The moat could not be completely investigated or surveyed due to a thick growth of nettles. Apparently only a small portion of the south side is still extant and this is almost infilled. A house has been built over the water feature shown on O.S. 25". A pond extending from north to south may incorporate the west side of the moat but it has evidently been widened and elongated. It now forms part of an ornamental garden. No part of the north or east sides of the moat could be traced.'

Site visit dated 13/08/1964, comments:- 'As described …. except that a hollow some 25.0m long and too widespread to be surveyed is probably part of the south side. Published survey (25" 1960) revised.'

<2> Wilson D et al, 1973-1986, Moated Sites Research Group Records (Paper Archive). SCH2205.

Sources/Archives (2)

  • <1> Index: Ordnance Survey. 1870-1982. Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card. SJ37SE4.
  • <2> Paper Archive: Wilson D et al. 1973-1986. Moated Sites Research Group Records.

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (2)

External Links (0)

Location

Grid reference SJ 392 712 (point) 8 Figure Ref
Map sheet SJ37SE
Civil Parish LEA-BY-BACKFORD, CHESTER, CHESHIRE WEST AND CHESTER
Historic Township/Parish/County LEA, BACKFORD, CHESHIRE

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Record last edited

Nov 23 2023 3:08PM