Medieval homestead moat at Henham Hall (EHER 4535)

Homestead moat, confirmed by OS visits in 1966 and 1975.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import: Moat (NR). <1> Homestead moat at 'The Hall', Henham, 200 yards north west of the church. <2> The Fitzwalters resided for some time at Henham Hall. Robert Fitzwalter born there in 1249. <3> An account of the house is given in a 1530 survey. The manor house was built in the middle of a deer park, round a square court and it was entered by a brick and turreted three-storied gatehouse. There was a 'fair chapel' with a 'quire', 50ft long x 20ft wide. <4> <5> It would seem that Robert Radcliffe rebuilt the manor within Henham Park between 1509 and 1530. The earliest reference to a park is in 1328. This source gives field names and discusses field boundaries that may represent the former park boundary. 'Of what happened to Henham Manor recorded in 1530 together with the buildings etc that went with it, we know nothing'. No cropmarks on aerial photographs. Existing house believed to be post-medieval (see EHER 4536), though suggestions have been made that part of the timberwork may be from the 1500s. <6> Astonishing that a succession of important houses have vanished without trace. <7> April 1966. Field survey. Complete moat, waterfilled and in good condition. When a new house was erected on the island in 1961, foundations of an earlier brick house were found <8>. <9> April 1975. Field survey. A rectangular homestead moat with original entrance causeway across the east arm, and a modern bridge over the western arm. The moat measures overall 64.0m east to west by 80.0m north to south, with arms averaging 10.0 width. There is an extension from the south-west angle towards the south, 130.0m by 9.0 wide. Published survey (25") revised. <10> Five photos. <11> Copy of survey. <12> Documentary references. <13> Aerial photograph. <14> See also: <15> - <17>