Medieval moat at Chichester Hall (EHER 7521)

Medieval homestead moat at Chichester Hall, recorded in 1953 as being water filled and in good condition. A wood lined well was located by builders trenches in 1973, from which were recovered 17th century sherds.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import: Moat (NR). <1> Homestead moat at Chichester Hall. <2> Complete, rectangular. Entered by causeway. Raised enclosure. Water mill. Fish ponds backfilled. Site Assessment: Stone staircase at rear of house has been covered in.<3> Sketch plans on back MSRG card, one traced from 1838 tithe map. ERO has map of 1830. <4> - <7> April 1953. Field survey. Moat water-filled in good condition and correct as shown. <8> 1973. Watching brief. Builders trenches located a wood-lined well from 5ft-16ft below existing ground level: 17th century sherds came from the well shaft. Two series of footings (brick and Yorkstone) were reported beneath present house footings. Much medieval pottery was found, including the spout and part of the arm of an orange-red fabric jug, with patches of brown-green glaze, in the form of a bearded face, dated to about 1350- 1450. Other finds included a bronze purse mount, bricks, tile. Brick footings were noticed along the rear wall of the house. A well was filled-in, pottery being found in its silts. <9> <10> The finds are in the Prittlewell Priory Museum, Southend. <11> Building operations uncovered brick and stone foundations from at least two earlier structures and a timber-lined late medieval well. <12> Probably to be associated with the family of John 'de Chichestria' (1348), also mentioned, as 'Chichesters', in 1574. <13> See also: <14> <15>