Medieval moated site, Gubbion's Hall (EHER 5961)

A medieval moated site surrounding Gubbions House, which is situated on Banter's Lane, to the east of the village of Great Leighs. The moated site includes a rectangular island measuring a maximum of 32 metres north-south and 45 metres east-west. This is contained by a water-filled moat fed by an underground spring. The moat measures up to 18 metres wide and at least 2 metres deep, and is revetted on both the inner and outer faces with faced stone, occasionally repaired in concrete. The local antiquarian, P Morant, writing in 1768, stated that the 'manor of Gobions' was named after Sir Thomas Gobyon, who was in possession of the manor from 1332 until 1349. The house which occupies the centre of the island dates from the 17th century and is timber framed with plaster infill under a tile roof. The moat is Scheduled whilst the house is Listed Grade II.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import. Moat surrounding the house with a 2nd, small, oval moat to the west. The barn north of the house probably dates to around 1500. 'The original part of the roof is of the king-post type' <1> <2> Moat in good condition with the 2nd one in fair condition, in 1950 <3><4><5> Probably to be associated with the family of Thomas 'Gobioun' (1317). Also mentioned as 'Great Leighes called Gobions, Gobions in Great Leyez 1376...Gubyon alias Gobbyons hall 1546...Governor's Hall Wood 1790...Gudgeons around 1840..cf Gudgeon for Gubeon' <6> The moated site includes a rectangular island measuring a maximum of 32m north-south and 45m east-west. This is contained by a water filled moat or ditch fed by an underground spring. The moat measures up to 18m wide and at least 2m deep, and is revetted on both the inner and outer faces with faced stone. Modern footbridges across the east and west arms of the moat provide access to the island. <7> Field visit, 1975 The Hall is a small house with relatively recent additions, plastered with shallow decorations. It is not outstanding. Here is an entire well preserved water-filled homestead moat with modern wooden access bridges. The feature to the west is a pond with a small island refuge. Published 25" survey correct.<8> A watching brief immediately to the north-east of the intact moat, carried out in 2001, uncovered no remains. <9> Additional references <10> - <14> Gubbion's Hall (NR) <15>