More information : (TL 0224 8142) Castle (LB) (Remains of)
(TL 0216 81422) Moat (LB) (1)
Bridges (2) suggests that a castle was built here by Ascelin de Waterville in the 12th c, and Evans (3) notes "the moats and mounds of the Watervilles"; but the VCH(4) states "there seems to be no historical or architectural evidence for this early date," and holds that the remains, a two-storey building of the 14th c. now used as a barn, are of a manor-house crenellated between 1301-7 by Bishop Langton; this was besieged in 1461, and probably more or less destroyed then. (2-4)
There is no identifiable remains of an archaeological work at this site. The published "Moat" comprises a large area of quarrying that is under permanent winter flood and, at the best, is marsh. To the north of the quarried area a large spoil mound adjacent to the diggings tends to give a superficial impression of a ditch. The building described as "Castle" is a large barn that was originally a domestic structure. There is no architectural evidence to establish or confirm a 14 c date and the whole does not appear earlier than the 16c/17c - adjoining buildings have now been demolished. (5)
Thorpe Waterville Castle (TL 022814) immediately S of Thorpe Waterville, on gravel at 25 m. above OD. Records have now come to light of an excavation carried out in 1929-30 on the site of the medieval manor house. A large rectangular building with walls 3 m. thick, possible a hall, discovered as well as fragments of other walls. The feature possibly a hall, was discovered as well as fragments of other walls. The feature described as a moat on the W edge of the site is in fact an old
gravel-pit. (6)
Listed by Cathcart King. (8) |