Late 16th century homestead moat at Church Farm, Hempstead (EHER 1431)

A homestead moat surrounds 19th century farm buildings and is partly water-filled, although the north arm and northern half of the east arm have been destroyed.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import: Moat opposite Church Farm. <1> Incomplete homestead moat at Church Farm. Only the north-west angle of the moat remains. <2> Poor condition. <3> Incomplete, irregular, 4.7m wide moat, 1.5m deep. <4> Sketch plan of moat is on back of MSRG card. <5> Measures 50m north-south x 48m. North arm and western half of east arm destroyed. Remaining ditch averages 4m wide and is waterfilled. 19th century farm buildings on island. Access probably across the destroyed north arm. <6> in <1> Moat (NR). <7> January 1978. Field survey. The homestead moat is situated on level ground and surrounds farm buildings on the opposite side of the road to church farm. It measures overall 50.0 m north south by 48.0 m transversely. The north arm and northern half of the east arm have been destroyed but the remaining ditch averages 4.0 m in width and is water-filled by seepage. A later drainage ditch probably marks the course of the north arm. The island is occupied by 19th century and modern farm buildings and shows no evidence of early occupation. Access was probably across the destroyed north arm. Ponds to the north and east are only drainage and are unconnected with the feature. Published 25" survey (1921) revised. <8>