Medieval moat at Essex Hall (EHER 6794)

A double moated site situated 770 metres east-south-east of Three Chimneys Farm. The two moats are alongside each other and are orientated north-east by south-west.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import: Moat (NR). <1> Two arms and part of a third are all that remains of the moat that surrounds Essex Hall. The house is of late 17th century date. <2> Partial rectangular moated enclosure of manorial status, isolated position away from village. The moat is 8m wide, wet, 1.2m deep. Water supply from springs. Causeway entrance. Double enclosure with 16th century occupied building on north-west island. <3> <4> <4> shows the site in 1960 and in 1983. These show that, by the latter date, the moat around the hall was no longer waterfilled. <5> The building is pre 18th century in date. <6> Probably to be associated with the family of John 'Essex' (1361). Mentioned in 1549 as 'Essex'. <7> May 1950. Field visit. Moat consists of the remains of a small moated enclosure which once surrounded the Hall, the northeast arm of which forms part of a larger enclosure southeast of the Hall. Only the north-east and south-east arms remain of the larger moated enclosure. Condition of feature fairly good. <8> <9> 1977. Field visit. Incomplete, double, rectangular. 17th century building. Water supply from surface. <8> Sketch plan on back MSRG card. <9> Four photos in SMR. <10> <11>