Medieval moat and fishponds at Rookwood Hall, Abbess Roding (EHER 4410)

A medieval moated site and fishpond located 1.2 metres to the west-south-west of the village of Abbess Roding. The moated site includes a sub-square island which measures a maximum of 110 metres in width. The island is contained by a water-filled moat measuring between 8 metres and 18 metres wide and at least 2 metres deep.

Moat. <1> The moat surrounded the house and outbuildings. It was formerly sub-divided and had an outer enclosure on the south. <2> The moat is in good condition, waterfilled and almost complete. The spur extends inwards from the west arm and is largely filled in. The only visible evidence of a south extension to the moat is a waterfilled pond at TL 56131085, possibly contemporary with a 19th century house to the west or it may be a fish pond associated with the earlier manor house. <3> See also: <4> <5> Name mentioned 1488 and later. It belonged to the Browne family of South Weald from 1427 to 1589. <6> NRHE data transfer: The house stands on a big moated site covering 3 1/2 acres, which was formerly sub-divided. A spur of the moat extends inwards on the west side and there are indications of a second moated enclosure immediately to the south. <7> September 1971. Field visit. The moat is in good condition, being waterfilled and virtually complete. The spur extending inwards from the west arm is largely filled in. The only visible evidence of a southern extension to the moat is a waterfilled pond at TL 5613 1085. This may be contemporary with the 19th century house immediately to the west, or it may have been a fishpond associated with the earlier moated house. Published survey (25") revised. <8> May 1976. Field visit. No change. <9> See: <10> <11>