More information : TL 895573 Bradfield Hall (NR) (Site of) (1)
"The plan of a strong square moat which formerly surrounded a
grange of the Abbot of Bury may yet be traced in Bradfield Park".
(No information can be obtained concerning the Hall-ONB checked). (2)
The present Bradfield Hall was built in 1857, and the owner said this
was the third or fourth here. The first (to which the moat belongs) hesaid was burnt down, and this is the origin of 'Combust' in the
parish name.
The moat is in good condition and is set in permanent pasture
parkland on level ground. It measures overall 80.0m E-W and 70.0m
N-S. The ditch averages 17.0m in width and 4.0m in depth and has a
sharp 'V' profile. Obviously cleared out, this may have destroyed
a clay lining, leaving the moat dry with a waterfilled pond on the
same level close to the SW angle.
No inlet or outlet could be seen so the moat was probably spring fed.
There is an outer bank ranged along the W side and a fragment of
another on the N. The latter may well be a spoil heap as the
bottom of the ditch here shows signs of disturbance.
The surface of the island is flat and carries several old trees.
No traces of a former building could be seen.
Published 25" survey (1903 ) revised. (3)
TL 89535731. Scheduling revised, 09-MAY-2001. (4) |