Medieval moat, Paslowes (EHER 911)

Medieval moat containing an island 32m by 38m raised 1m above the surrounding land. The moat which is now dry measures 2m deep and up to 10m wide. The southern half of the eastern ditch extends into a pond 26m by 44m. A causeway crosses the norther arm of the moat. The moat contained a manor house but this had been demolished by 1768. During World War II the island was used as a searchlight position, this has resulted in two trenches. It is scheduled.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import. Moat at Paslowes. Internal trenches are World War II remains. 13th-14th century pottery from field to the north. <1> Homestead moat at site of Paslowes. <2> Probably to be associated with the family of Robert Passelewe (1236), name also mentioned 1354, 1578. <3> Other reference: <4> Map with scheduling letter in SMR. <5> Complete, rectangular. <6> <7> Field survey, 1975 The site of Paslowes is marked by a strong rectangular homestead moat situated on the edge of the River Can flood plain. The moat, now dry, measures overall 56.0m E-W by 50.0m N-S with arms averaging 14.0m wide. The original entrance causeway crossed the north arm and a pond extend from the SE angle. The site of the house is marked by disturbed ground and a tile scatter within the moated enclosure. Published survey 25" revised. <8> Paslowes. A prebendal manor. It consists of a square moat with a rectangular pond on the east side. The date of desertion is not known, but it was certainly by 1768, as Morant mentions that the house had been demolished or fallen down. The name is probably associated with Robert Passelewe (1236 Calendar of Close Rolls), a treasurer of Henry III, and a likely candidate for the builder of the moat. The moat lies very close to the river, and may once have been connected with it. <9> Well preserved moated site with extension on south east side. The moat is partly water filled. The interior is rough pasture. A large scale map of 1623 in Essex Record Office shows an elevation of the house which had gone by 1777 (date of C and A map). <10> <11> The moated site includes a rectangular island measuring 32m by 38m, raised approximately 1m above the surrounding land surface. The island is contained by a moat or ditch, now dry, measuring approximately 2m in depth and up to 10m wide. A causeway, probably the original approach to the island crosses the northern arm of the moat. Two trenches cut into the island in the NE corner formerly held WWII searchlight positions. <12> Site Assessment: Basic shape still good, interior cut by trenches for World War II searchlight position. Rough grass and scrub. <1> <10> Aerial Photograph reference <13> The moat was recorded on 2024 aerial photographs and the cropmarks of the trackway that leads to the moat were clearly visible <16> Additional reference <17>