Medieval moat and 18th century house, site of Botelers (EHER 7070)

A homestead moat and fishponds on the site of Botelers (EHER 7071). Only one of the four original fish ponds survives. The moat was in good condition during a field survey in 1983.

A homestead moat at the former site of Botelers, a mansion mentioned by Morant. Fish ponds of which only one is left and not in very good condition. <1> <2> <3> May 1953. Field survey. Moat, water-filled in excellent condition and correct as shown. Fishponds to the South, water-filled and in good condition. <4> July 1961. Field survey. Survey at 1:1250. <5> 1983. Field survey. A square water-filled moat around 50 ft wide, with four fish ponds to the SE although only one is now in evidence, the other three filled-in or are under the nearby garage. The inner length of the moated area is around 225 ft (max.), length including moat is around 325 ft (max). A causeway shown on the scheduling map no longer survives. The fish ponds are apparently not within the scheduled area. The moat is around 90 sqm and 28m wide at the widest point. The present house is late 18th century, including an old brewhouse (see EHER 7071). <6> Site Assessment = In good condition. "Water reasonably free from dead wood and weeds. Interior bramble-covered, cellar being filled with rubbish. Remaining fish pond being filled with rubbish also. Concrete fishing platforms cut into the sides." A school has been built on the Eastern part of the monument. There is an air shelter in the SE corner. The fish ponds don't seem to be within the scheduled area. The moat is used by Basildon Fishing Club. The causeway shown on the scheduling map is no longer extant. <6> Complete, rectangular moat. Domesday manorial site. <7> Sketch plan on back of MSRG card, including fish ponds (from OS 25"?). <8> Two photos in SMR. <9> Moat (NR) <10> See also aerial photographs <11> <12> and cropmark plot <13>. Not found in Domesday? Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import.