Possible medieval to post-medieval moat, moot, or enclosure, east of Tewes Farm (EHER 1473)

Alleged medieval moat - probably a modern ditched enclosure or a moot mound.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import: Homestead moat 600 yards west of Little Sampford Church. <1> In 1086 Richard, son of Gilbert, held 5 hides in demesne. <2> The circular waterfilled ditch lies in a close copse on level ground. Overall is 35m in diameter, ditch averages c4m wide. No trace of a causeway, 1.5m deep. Interior same level as surrounding land. Apart from coppicing, it seems to be undisturbed. 1839 tithe map shows neither copse nor enclosure. Could be they are contemporary. OS suggests probably modern ditched enclosure. <3> <4> A small flat circular enclosure, about 90ft across and surrounded by a moat about 15ft wide, lies in a dense plantation 1600 ft west from Little Sampford church (TL 64763363). The enclosure is not a defensive work and is probably the site of Froshwell Hundred - moot. <5> 1975. Field survey. Moat 7m wide, 0.5m deep, enclosure flat, moat wet. Possible mill mound. <6> April 1975. Field survey. This circular waterfilled ditch lies within a close copse on level ground at 300 ft OD. It measures overall about 35.0m in diameter, the ditch averaging about 4.0m, with no trace of a causeway and 1.5m deep. The interior is at the same level as the surrounding land, and apart from coppicing, appears undisturbed. As stated, the work is nondefensive and cannot be considered a protective moat to a structure. The Tithe Map of 1839 shows neither copse nor circular moated enclosure, possibly they are contemporary. Published survey (25") correct. <7> January 1978. Field visit. The ditch is now permanently dry. The circles of both the outer and inner slopes of the ditch are slightly flattened beside the road suggesting that the layout had to be modified to accommodate the existing feature. Resurveyed at 1:2500. <8> - <10> Area = 0.04