Medieval moat at Rectory Road (EHER 6793)

A medieval homestead moat. The monument is scheduled.

Monument description derived from merging EHER 6793 and 6837. Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import: Moated site south of Sugar Loaves Lane, Sible Hedingham (not listed in RCHM but earthwork visible on 6" sheet). <1> Rectangular site on sloping land north of a small stream. It is surrounded by a broad dry ditch 4ft deep x 15-20yds wide. Within the moat is a slightly raised platform. <2> Moated site south of Sugar Loaves Lane. Scheduled 111. <3> April 1975. Field visit. A dry rectangular homestead moat incorporated into ornamental gardens. It measures overall 70.0m north-east by south-west by 50.0m transversely, with arms about 15.0m wide and 2.9m deep. To the south-east a low wet area bounded by a retaining bank has now been utilised as an ornamental wate course. No trace of building foundations were found within the central island. Name 'Moat Meadow' given on 1840 Tithe Map. Surveyed at 1:2500. <4> 1978. Field visit. Simple, rectangular moat with raised enclosure. Entrance from bridge. Water supply possibly from flooding. Site unoccupied, of manorial status. Covered with mature trees. 'Ditch cut into side of slope and island raised. No real moat on south-east but a levelled open space through which the stream ran. Recent local embankment cuts off the stream which could otherwise flood the area and probably the whole moat'. Covered with mature tree. <5> Sketch plan of moat on back of MSRG card, from OS 25' and site visit. <6> Site Assessment = Monument was in very good condition in 1979. Large aviary on the south east side of the platform. <7> Plan in SMR, possibly from OS. <8> Area = 0.09 See also: <9> - <12>