Medieval double moat at Lea Hall (EHER 4414)

A double moated site which includes a complete sub-rectangular moat with a second moated enclosure to the north. It is a well preserved example of a category of moated site which is rare in Essex.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import: Moat (GT). <1> Moat about 1/2 a mile north-east of Hatfield Heath church. The moat surrounds the house. <2> Name mentioned 1306. <3> March 1950. Field survey. Homestead moat at Lea Hall correct as shown on Field Sheet. A dry ditch, 6.0m wide and 0.5 metres deep, extends from the northern end of the west arm of the moat and connects with the water-filled ditch which runs parallel to the north arm of the moat. This would appear to be the remains of a second moated enclosure although there is now no trace of an east arm. Condition of moat surrounding house fairly good, of west arm of possible second moated enclosure - denuded by cultivation. <4> <5> June 1973. Field survey. The homestead moat round the house and garden is complete and measures overall about 100.0m north-south by about 90.0 transversely. The arms are waterfilled, though silting in parts, and average 9.0m in width. Published survey (25") revised. <6> - <8>