Medieval double moat at Coldham's, Grange Farm (EHER 126)

Homestead moats, possible fishpond, at Grange Farm, about 0.5 miles north west of Rickling church.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import: Moat at Grange Farm, about 0.5 miles north-west of Rickling church. Is circular, with a second moated site on north-east and traces of a third on the south-east. (House is apparently modern). <1> According to OS 1975, quoted in <3>, there are only two waterfilled moats - the third is considered to be a fishpond. The two moats consist of a circular homestead moat measuring 54m in diameter overall with arms 12m wide, surrounding an 18th century farmhouse. Also, a subrectangular moat with raised interior 0.5m high, measuring 36m overall east-west x 30m north-south with arms around 8m wide. No trace of a building within the enclosure. A number of rectangular cattle ponds are visible to the south-east of the farm. A possible fishpond is recorded to the south of the moat at TL 4992 3191. In 1979 the site was in good condition but badly silted up. <2> <3> Site Management: According to a letter of 1976, ECC to arrange for mud, silt and leaves to be cleared from the moat. Not known if done. <4> Name of Coldham's is mentioned in 1316 and 1399. <5> Nine photos in EHER, showing moats, house, bridge over moat. <6> House not in Scheduled area, nor is pond. The Scheduled Monument also cuts across pond to north-east of the moat, to north east of circular moat. <7> The larger moat is an unusual circular one with a smaller rectangular moat close alongside. The small moat is well preserved in a wooded copse. The larger circular moat has an occupied house in the centre surrounded by lawns and gardens. The moat is waterfilled. <8> April 1950. Field survey. Main moat in good condition, second at TL 4935 3203 in fairly good condition. Traces of third moat at TL 4936 3199, only one arm remains. Correct as shown on 6". <9> February 1975. Field survey. Two waterfilled moats at Coldham's Farm. 'A' at TL 4932 3190: circular homestead moat which measures overall 54m diameter with ditch 12m wide. It surrounds the farmhouse which is 18th century and not outstanding. A possible fishpond lies to the south of the moat at TL 4992 3191. 'B' at TL 4935 3202; a sub-rectangular moat with raised interior 0.5m high. It measures overall 36m east-west by 30m north-south with arms approximately 8m wide. No trace of a building was found within the enclosure. Published survey (25") revised. <10> 1992. Trial trenching. Two evaluation trenches dug to the rear (north) of Moat Farm revealed part of a previous outbuilding (probably 19th century), and a layer of demolition debris of the 18th to 19th century. No material earlier than 18th century was recovered, nor were any earlier deposits present. If the conclusion of this evaluation is applicable to the whole of the circular moat, then it would appear that it is only 18th century in origin, and presumably dug out to surround and enhance the present house. If the site has an earlier origin, then it must be supposed that the (now abandoned) adjacent subrectangular moat to the north-east of the circular moat is the earlier part of the site, and that any pre 18th century deposits will be located there. <11> TL 493 319. Coldham's double moated site. Scheduled 161. <12> <13>