More information : [TF 18806627] Halstead Hall [NAT] Moat [G.T.]. (1) Of early 16th century bricks similar to those used to build Tattershall Castle [TF 25 NW 1] and the Tower on the Moor [TF 26 SW 1]. Outside the moat, now dry, is a barn of the same bricks. The Hall was probably built by a member of the Welby family. Halstead is mentioned in the will of Richard Welby in 1465. (2-3) Halstead Hall is now a farmhouse. Windows in the S.W. front are 19thc. insertions. In the N.W. gable is a 16th.c.mullioned and transomed window. See GPs 64/65/1 and 2 of Hall and AO 64/48/8 of the barn. Published survey (25") of the moat revised. (4) Since 1964 the Hall has been restored with minor changes to the exterior, notably the chimney which is now in Tudor style, and the dormer which has been removed. The garden in front of the house is now all lawn, and the adjacent side of the moat is waterfilled. Low remains of a causeway can now be seen in the NE arm. 25" survey revised. (5)
The moat referred to by the previous authorities was visible as earthworks and mapped from good quality air photographs. The moat encloses an area 60m by 60m and is centred at TF 1880 6626. The north arms of the moat are slightly offset forming a possible entrance. It is possible the moat in its present form is a Post Medieval garden feature associated with the hall but it probably has Medieval origins. Extending west from the moat are a series of ditch defined rectilinear enclosures ranging in size from 20m by 10m to 110m by 40m. These have been ploughed flat. These features could be a Medieval manorial complex associated with the moat. A possible mound of unknown date or function sits to the south west of the moat. No features were visible on the available air photographs within the moat. (Morph No. LI.553.4.1-10)
The hall has been recorded in TF 16 NE 23.
This description is based on data from the RCHME MORPH2 database. (6)
Excavations carried out in 1980-1 revealed evidence of an aisled timber building located in front of the present hall, pre-dating the late 13th century moat. (8-9) |