Medieval to post-medieval dry enclosure ditch at Blois Hall (EHER 6823)

A 'U' shaped earthwork enclosure that was determined by OS site visits to have never held water.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import: Moat (NR). <1> Probably to be associated with the family of William 'le Bloy' (1284). Also mentioned as 'Bloy(e)s' in 1380, 'Bloy(es)tye' in a deed in 1430, 'Bloysse' in a rental of 1534, 'Bloy(e)s garden', 'Bloy(e)s wood' in 1570-96. <2> 1950-1952. Field visit. Completely dry moat, "including the small northern part of the east arm shown on the 1924 edition 6" sheet". In fairly good condition in 1950 except the counterscarp which had been almost obliterated. Average depth is about 1.5m. Not listed by RCHM. In 1952 was surveyed for OS 6", slopes were about 4ft deep, diminishing on the western side. <3> April 1975. Field survey. A sub-oval ditched 'enclosure' measuring overall about 95.0m north-south by about 70.0m. transversely, with a dry ditch averaging 10.0m. wide and 1.5m. deep. It is not a moat. Located on sloping east to west ground the featureless interior is level but the ditch could never have held water. The jagged, broad 'V' shaped cut of the ditch gives the work an irregular even unfinished appearance. No entrance was found, though an amorphous raised area at the south-east angle of the ditch may be the remains of a causeway. A fishpond lies to the east at TL 74603482. No significant name or detail appears on the Tithe Map about 1840, and a map dated 1749 held at Blois Hall shows no earthwork. Published survey (25") revised. <4> <5> 1977. Field survey. On a steep slope, the moat is a flat V in section. The slope steepens on the north (lower) side, the outer side of the moat is lost here, where the house and garden are. Has always been incomplete, irregular in shape. The enclosure follows the natural contours. Moat is 15m wide, 1.5m deep, dry. Two ponds nearby. Manorial status. House dates to 1500. <6> Sketch plan and sections on back MSRG card, from OS 1st Ed and site visit. <7> - <10> Two photos in the SMR, one shows the house. <11> See also: <12> <13> Area = 0.3