Historic England research records

Historic England Research Records

Moccas Castle
Hob Uid: 106110
Location : County of Herefordshire Moccas
Grid Ref : SO3480042500
Summary : Earthworks of the castle were visible during the early 20th century. These comprised two baileys and a small motte. Field investigations carried out in 1971 found most of the earthworks to be ploughed out. It is known that a licence was granted in 1293 for a structure without towers, to be less than ten feet in height below the crenellations, indicating that the site was not strongly defended. The earthwork remains of the motte and part of the bailey to the south west were mapped from aerial photographs.
More information : (SO 348425) MOCCAS CASTLE (NR). (1) Moccas Castle (see plan) consists of a roughly oval court enclosed by remains of a ditch and with a subsidiary scarp within the area. At the E end is a very small motte with a ditch between it and the bailey. (2) The earthworks at Moccas Castle have been ploughed out leaving only the small natural knoll on which it stood. Published survey 25" revised. (3) SO 348426. Two weak baileys, and a small mound suggestive of a diminutive motte. A licence was granted in 1293 for a structure without towers, to be less than ten feet in height below the crenellations, indicating that the site was not strongly defended. (4) C.J. Robinson, described the site in 1869, noted a partially drained moat, "now only a swampy circle", and the persistant quarrying of foundation walling for road metalling. (5a) The earthwork remains of the small motte and part of the bailey to the south-west were seen centred respectively at SO 3483 4251 and SO 3474 4250 and mapped from aerial photographs. (6-7) Additional reference. (8)

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Source Number : 1
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Source details : OS 6" 1964
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Page(s) : 204-5
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Source Number : 3
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Source details : F1 MHB 30-SEP-71
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Source Number : 4
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Source details : (D J Cathcart King)
Page(s) : 209, 216FN
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Vol(s) : 1, 1983

Source Number : 5
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Page(s) : 245
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Source Number : 5a
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Source details : Rev CJ Robinson. 1869. The Castles of Herefordshire
Page(s) : 108
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Source Number : 6
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Source details : NMR SO 3442/1-4 10-AUG-1981
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Source Number : 7
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Source details : CUCAP BCO 63
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Source Number : 8
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Page(s) : 181
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Vol(s) : vol.2

Monument Types:

Monument Period Name : Medieval
Display Date : Medieval
Monument End Date : 1540
Monument Start Date : 1066
Monument Type : Motte And Bailey
Evidence : Levelled Earthwork

Monument Period Name : Medieval
Display Date : Licenced to fortify 1293
Monument End Date : 1293
Monument Start Date : 1293
Monument Type : Fortified House
Evidence : Documentary Evidence

Components and Objects:

Related Records from other datasets:

External Cross Reference Source : SMR Number (Hereford & Worcestershire)
External Cross Reference Number : 1558
External Cross Reference Notes :

External Cross Reference Source : MORPH2
External Cross Reference Number : MU.81.1
External Cross Reference Notes :

External Cross Reference Source : National Monuments Record Number
External Cross Reference Number : SO 34 SW 14
External Cross Reference Notes :

Related Warden Records :

Related Activities :

Associated Activities :
Activity type : FIELD OBSERVATION (VISUAL ASSESSMENT)
Start Date : 1971-09-30
End Date : 1971-09-30

Associated Activities :
Activity type : AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH INTERPRETATION
Start Date : 1993-01-01
End Date : 1994-12-31

Historic England Research Records

Moccas Castle