Medieval to post-medieval moat or drainage ditches at Witchbar's Farm, Debden (EHER 206)

Doubtful homestead moat, probably drainage ditches at Witchbar's Farm.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import: Moat at Witchbars Farm. A system of drainage ditches forming a rectangle surrounds the house and of these only the southern arm is moat-like, being waterfilled and 40m wide. The others are narrow, 2-3m wide and the ditch to the north of the house is some 1.5m lower than that to the south, so that a continuous circuit of water is impossible. <1> - <5> The name Witchbars Farm is probably to be associated with the families of John Wyncheband, Wechebaud (1325-36) listed in the Tilty Register about 1450. <6> Aerial photograph: <7> NRHE data transfer: Moat (NR). <8> Moat at Witchbar's Farm. <9> 1950. Field survey Moat correct as shown on 6", condition poor. <10> 1975. Field survey. A system of drainage ditches forming a rectangle surrounds the house, and of these only the south arm is moat-like, being waterfilled and some 4m wide. The other is narrow, 2m to 3m wide, and the ditch to the north of the house is some 1.5m lower that that to the south, so that a continuous circuit of water is impossible. No water features are shown on the tithe map of 1843. <11>