More information : TL 807143 (Moat) (NR) (1)
A square moated site with a strong inner rampart at Blunt's
Hall (of 18th century date with modern additions grade 2), was
excavated in 1958 (see plan from authority 4). The internal
bank measured approximately 50 yards long on each side, with a
20 feet interval between bank top and ditch bottom. On two
sides it had been slighted inwards and the moat had silted up on
the other two. At the south east corner the bank rose into a
circular tump with a level top some twelve feet across, a little
higher than the bank. Excavation trenches yielded occupation
debris, including a hearth and a trench (possibly a clamp kiln),
its sides very burn and choked with charcoal. These finds,
coupled with its manorial history, date the site to 1135-1150,
after which it remained unoccupied. As a field adjoining it is
called Castle Baileys (TL 807142) (3), the site is thought to
be the adulterine castle built by Geoffrey de Mandeville in
1141, Traces of another low bank following the curve of the
road, to the east of the modern farm, may represent the later
Medieval site. (2-5)
Blunts Hall (name confirmed) is a 18th century building with
extensive late 19th century alterations. Not outstanding.
NW of the house, situated on high ground, are the remains of a
strong subrectangular moat; now dry. It measures overall 84.0m
N-S by 76.0m transversely. The S arm, SW and SE angles have been
filled but the remainder of the ditch has an average width of
10.0m. and depth 1.5m. Access to the island was probably by a
badly mutilated causeway in the centre of the E arm. The island
stands 1.2m. above ground level and has a strong inner rampart
along the S and W arms standing to a maximum height of 6.0m above
the ditch bottom. At the SE angle there is a conical-shaped
mound forming part of the rampart but standing 6.8m. above
ditch bottom. The island interior is used as vegetable garden
bu Blunt's Hall Cottages and shows no evidence of former
occupation.
In the adjoining field to the W known locally as 'Castle Baileys'
there is a slight bank 0.1m. high extending 50.0m. from the track
and running parallel but 10.0m. from the road. It appears to be
unconnected with the moat and limited perambulation due to
standing crop produced no finds. It is possibly an old field
bank.
The feature E of the farm has been destroyed by modern housing
development.
Published 1:2500 survey revised. (6)
TL807143 Moated site at Blunts Hall. Scheduled No 191 (7) |