Paris Hall moated site (EHER 3724)

The remaining two arms of a waterfilled medieval moat have been incorporated as an ornamental feature in the garden of Paris Hall.

Remains of a waterfilled moat incorporated as an ornamental feature in the garden of Paris Hall. Only the south and west arms survive, around 9m wide on average, the remainder having been destroyed by farm buildings. <1> <2> <4> <5> <6> Incomplete rectangular moat around 10m to 13m wide, 0.5m to 1.75m deep to the water level. Enclosure raised 0.5m above surrounding country. "The whole side has a natural fall of 4.5m from north to south. There is a difference of 1m in the water levels of the two lengths on the west side. On the north side, I am told that the pond was, within living memory, matched by a second on the other side of the entrance and that a length of moat, indicated on the plan, ran on the north boundary. The second pond is now represented by a smaller dry hollow. From the south-east corner the interior is bounded by a dry ditch 3m wide and 0.5m deep for nearly half the length of the site. No ditch is visible on either side at the upper (north) end". <3> Paris Hall is probably to be associated with the family of Richard de Paris mentioned in 1276. <7> See also aerial photographs: <8> <9> <10> <11>. NRHE data import: To the south and west of the manor house are two arms of a rectangular moat. <4> <5> 1972. Field Survey. See ground photograph. Published survey (25-inch) revised. <12>