Medieval moat at Helions, Helions Bumpstead (EHER 1591)

A rectangular or slightly 'D'-shaped moated site known as 'Helions' and identified with the medieval manor of that name. Summary from record 1593: Moated site, mound inside north east corner of the moat, around 10m in diameter and 1.8m high.

Monument description derived from merging EHER 1591 and 1593. Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import: Moat. <1> South part has been filled but outline is still traceable. A mound inside the north east corner of the moat is around 10m in diameter and 1.8m high - planted with trees. Moat is in good condition. <2> Surrounding Helions Farmhouse (name confirmed) which is a 19th century brick building, see photograph, and cut into a gentle north east slope is a strong, sub-rectangular homestead moat measuring overall 100.0m east west by 84.0m transversely. The ditch has an average width of 13.0m and is water-filled, by seepage, in the north and northern half of the east arm. The remaining ditch, apart from a filled portion of the south arm at the south-east angle, is dry and has an average depth of 1.2m. At the north east angle there is a ditched outlet which feeds into the field drainage. Access to the island is by a late 19th century brick bridge across the north arm but there are traces of a causeway in the south arm which is probably original. The island is raised some 0.9m above ground level and is mainly under lawn. No evidence of former occupation can be seen. In its north-east corner there is a mound 11.0m in diameter, and 1.5m high. It is covered by scrub and trees and although it shows no evidence of a building it gives good views to the north and east and is probably a gazebo mound. Published 25" survey (1926) revised. <3> <4> Domesday manor, in Heyllyons in Bomsted 1535, Helyons 1577. <5> Sketch plans with sources 3 and 6 show moat in 1870, 1980 with details of part of the earthworks. <7> Deeds of the property go back to the early 14th century. Original manor house was burnt down around 1825. Present house built in 1830. Present bridge built in 1793. Rear section of moat filled in Victorian times to cure owner's rheumatism(?). Remaining moat sections dredged twice since present owner came into occupation. Moat lined with clunch. <6> Complete, rectangular. <8> MSRG card has plan-sketch. <9> OS card has plan of the site. <10> Sketch plan, also with source 6, has sections across the moat. Also mentions 'medieval village remains'. <11> <12> Strong sub-rectangular homestead moat, overall 100m east-west x 84m. Average width 13m, waterfilled by seepage in north and north half of east arm. Remaining ditch, except filled part of south arm at south-east angle is dry, average depth 1.2m. At the north east angle a ditched outlet feeds field drainage. Traces of probably original causeway in the south arm. Island raised around 0.9m above ground level, mainly under lawn. No evidence of former occupation. <13> Domesday Book mentions beehives at Helions Bumpstead. <14> Aerial photograph: <15> 2011. Excavation and monitoring. Excavation and monitoring on Helions Farmhouse, built in the 19th century and set within the moated enclosure uncovered a surface containing medieval pottery dating to c.1200 and two pits containing 12th to early 13th century pottery. A partially excavated layer to the south of the house produced 13th-14th century pottery. <16> Area = 0.43 Site of moat scheduled 23 October 1998. See also: <17> - <22>