More information : (SO 4667 8593) Moat (NR). (1)
Dry remains of moat in Moat Meadow near Westhope Hall. The square
platform rises 14ft above the bottom of the surrounding ditch
which is 35ft across except at the NE corner where it is narrowed
by a projection from the platform, possibly for a bridge. The
south side is bounded by fish-ponds and a stream. A trench dug
into the platform revealed no traces of foundations, but bricks
have been dug up at the side of the fish-ponds. (2-3)
A square, marshy homestead moat with arms 66.0m in length 16.0m
in width, 1.7m in depth, placed on the N bank of a stream. This
was formerly dammed to fill the moat, by an extension of the outer
retaining bank to the E arm being carried across the stream to the
S bank, but this has now been breached by the stream.
Access to the island, which is under pasture and shows no visible
remains of buildings, was by a narrow causeway across the
northern end of the E arm to the NE corner of the island.
Published 1:2500 survey revised. (4)
Noted in a list of Moated Sites in Shropshire. Moat complete, with fishponds. (5)
SO 4665 8591. Westhope moat and fishpond. Scheduled (RSM).
These lie at a distance from Westhope and may have been constructed during the 13th and 14th centuries when woodland was systematically cleared for agricultural purposes. According to local tradition the moat island is considered to be the site of `The Castle', a building which was once fortified for military use. (6)
The earthwork remains of the moat described by the previous authorities and surrounding fields of presumed associated ridge and furrow were seen centred at SO 4667 8595 and mapped from aerial photographs. (7) |