Medieval moat at Herkstead Hall, Steeple Bumpstead (EHER 1459)

Remains of a medieval homestead moat at Herkstead Hall. The northern arm formed the southern arm of a large moated enclosure which can be traced in the field immediately to the north. The house itself dates to the late 17th century.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import: Moat, manorial. <1> Remains of a homestead moat at Herkstead Hall, which was formerly wedge-shaped, can be traced around the house although only the west. side still contains water. There is an indication of an outer enclosure to the north-east. The house is of late 17th century date. <2> Fragmentary remains of homestead moat at Herkstead Hall and moated enclosure north of hall. North arm of homestead moat, 1m deep x 3m wide, formed the south arm of a large moated enclosure traceable in the field immediately north of the hall. East arm of the enclosure has been practically filled in, now consists of a long depression 7m wide, 1m deep. North arm less plainly marked, consists of a ditch 2m wide and 1m deep except at the east end where it is 5m wide. Remains in fragmentary, poor condition. <3> Incomplete, rectangular. Now only two medium sized ditches at right angles. That on the west side is shown as large on 25" OS but has recently been reduced in width by 1-2m infilling on the east side. Moat is 8m wide x 1-1.5m deep. Enclosure flat, moat dry. <4> Sketch plan is on back of MSRG card. <5> Moated site survey refused access. <6> Name first mentioned in 1254 as 'Hern(e)sted(e). Later mentions numerous, first as Hersted Hall in 1504-1515. Alias Hastings Hall, Green, was formerly a hamlet of Birdbrook, transferred to Bumpstead in 1885. Hastings from family of Robert de Hastinge (1251). <7> Area = 0.4 Moat (NR). <8> This site is included in a survey of moats in the Haverhill area. <9> May 1950. Field survey. Correct as shown on 6". The northern arm, 1.0m deep by 3.0m wide, formed the southern arm of a large moated enclosure that can be traced in the field immediately north of the Hall. The eastern arm of the enclosure has been practically filled in and now consists of a long depression 7.0m wide and 1.0m deep. The north arm is less plainly marked and consists of a ditch 2.0m wide and 1.0m deep except at the eastern end where it is 5.0m wide. Condition fragmentary and poor.