Medieval moat at Moyns Park, Steeple Bumpstead (EHER 1609)

Possible 16th century moat with earlier origins.

Moat. 'DBM' (Domesday Manor?). <1> <2> The moat is fairly complete, double on the south-east and north-east sides. House has south west wing of plastered timber-frame, apparently 1st half of the 16th century, has good ornamental detail of this date. North-east elevation of the south-west wing has exposed timber-framing, part of the lowest storey is 16th century brick. <3> "Delightful" south-west wing left from the Tudor house, brick infill. <4> "A good example of a possible late moat created in the 16th century as a landscape feature, although it is probable that the inner moat was earlier". Isolated site, manorial, 15th century building, entrance by a causeway, water supply from a spring, double moat, rectangular, partial, external enclosure banks 0.5m high, moat is 12m wide, 2m deep, wet, revetments, partially destroyed, ponds and channels. <5> Manorial, earlier monastic? <6> Sketch plan of site in 1910, 1983 in <5>, on back of <6>. <7> Incomplete, rectangular. Isolated, 500yds from the parish boundary. <8> Sketch plan on back of MSRG card. <9> Outer ditch - purpose not apparent, but probably served as an outer drainage ditch. <10> Late 16th century house incorporates part of a courtyard house of around 1500, part timber-frame with brick nogging and plaster, roofed with handmade clay tiles and lead. North east front of the south wing-features could be around 1500 or earlier. Ground floor of this wing has original Tudor doorhead, stone hearth surround, roll-moulded beam of early 16th century, original window. <11> Area = 1.05 See also: <12>