Summary : Braiseworth Hall, a moated site with probable manorial earthworks. The current house ('Braisworth Hall') on the site may either have replaced or incorporated an earlier building which was associated with the moat. Surrounding the house are the probable remains of a manorial complex comprising an almost complete sub-rectangular moat set within a large rectangular ditched enclosure. A small sub-square moat within the outer enclosure is probably ornamental.This was part of the great estates of Edric of Laxfield in Saxon times, and of Robert Malet's mother at the time of the Domesday Book in 1086. In 1316 the lordship was held by William Runeton or Rungeton, and later by Peter de Briseworth, who was outlawed in 1367. William de Briseworth, his son and heir, had the custody granted to him of a messuage and 160 acres of land. Another Peter de Briseworth then held the manor, and from him it passed to his daughter Maud, wife of Roger Deneys of Tannington in the early 15th century. Her son John Deneys inherited, and on his death the manor went to his daughter Anne, married to Thomas Playters, of Thorndon. They both died in 1479, and their successor was their son William Playters, of Sotterley, who died in 1512, when the manor passed through Christopher, Thomas, William, and Sir Thomas Playters. In 1659 the manor was vested in John Wyard, in 1673 in Philip Wyard, and then in James Wyard. In 1792 the manor was vested in William Cooper, of Parham, who died in 1833, when it passed to his daughter Elizabeth Cooper, who died in 1834. The following year the manor with Braisworth Hall was sold as "late the property of William Cooper, Gent." to John Meadows, of Stanstead. Before 1855 it was acquired by the Earl of Stradbrooke. |
More information : TM 24626713 Braisworth Hall (NR) Moat (NR) (1) Braiseworth Hall. It has a series of moats contained within one large oblong moat, the latter being strenghthened by an inner bank, one third of which still remains. (2) Braiseworth Hall (name confirmed) although originally of 16th century date appears to have been extensively rebuilt. The external brick-work is 19th century and 20th century, the most recent being to the rear of the house. Not outstanding, see photo. [NB extract possibly from a different, Listed Building, also named Braiseworth, LB UID 281586 -Braiseworth Old Hall, Braiseworth, Suffolk] Surrounding the house and situated on level ground are the remains of a manorial complex comprising an almost complete sub-rectangular moat set within a large rectangular ditched enclosure. The moat measures overall 77.0m northwest to southeast by 65.0m transversely, and its ditch. waterfilled by seepage, averages 9.0m wide. The west angle and parts of the northwest and southwest arms have been filled. Access is by two causeways on the northwest and southwest arms and a modern brick bridge across the southeast arm. The northwest causeway seems to be the original. The island is mainly under grass and no evidence of former occupation can be seen. The encompassing enclosure, of which most of the southwest and all the northwest sides have been filled in measured 300.0m northwest-southeast by 130.0m transversely. Its ditch, waterfilled by seepage, varies between 9.0m and 3.5m wide and has an average depth of 3.0m. It also has an inner rampart along the southeast and southern parts of the northeast and southwest arms which averages 1.5m high but is strongest at the south and east angles, where it is 2.2m and 1.9m respectively. Two modern causeways across the northeast arm give access to the inner area much of which is under lawn. A small sub-square moat at TL 24716710 within the outer enclosure has overall measurements of 38.0m northeast-southwest by 36.0m transversely. The ditch waterfilled by seepage, has an average width of 6.0m and is 2.1m deep. Access is by a modern wooden bridge at the south angle. The island stands 1.0m above ground level and is covered by grass and trees. No evidence of occupation can be seen on its surface. It does not appear to be connected with the manorial earthworks and is therefore probably ornamental. A former internal ditch now forms the northwest side and north angle, but another wider ditch to the rear of farm buildings has gone. Published 25" survey revised. (3)
This was part of the great estates of Edric of Laxfield in Saxon times, and of Robert Malet's mother at the time of the Domesday Book in 1086. In 1316 the lordship was held by William Runeton or Rungeton, and later by Peter de Briseworth, who was outlawed in 1367. William de Briseworth, his son and heir, had the custody granted to him of a messuage and 160 acres of land. Another Peter de Briseworth then held the manor, and from him it passed to his daughter Maud, wife of Roger Deneys of Tannington in the early 15th century. Her son John Deneys inherited, and on his death the manor went to his daughter Anne, married to Thomas Playters, of Thorndon. They both died in 1479, and their successor was their son William Playters, of Sotterley, who died in 1512, when the manor passed through Christopher, Thomas, William, and Sir Thomas Playters. In 1659 the manor was vested in John Wyard, in 1673 in Philip Wyard, and then in James Wyard. In 1792 the manor was vested in William Cooper, of Parham, who died in 1833, when it passed to his daughter Elizabeth Cooper, who died in 1834. The following year the manor with Braisworth Hall was sold as "late the property of William Cooper, Gent." to John Meadows, of Stanstead. Before 1855 it was acquired by the Earl of Stradbrooke. (4)
Appears to be depicted as 'Brazier Hall' on Hodskinson's Map of Suffolk in 1783. (5)
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