More information : (TQ 55509884) Slades (site of) (1)
Within the two remaining arms of a rectangular moat 660 yds West of Beacon Hill Farm, a group of overgrown earthworks marks the site of the medieval manor house of Slades (TQ 55409884). Of possible greater age is circular moat, (100m) to the West, enclosing a mound abut 65' dia at the base. Between the two moats are two rectangular fish ponds: (TQ 55359888). (2)
This complex is as described by the VCH except that the enclosed features are probably "modern": published 1:2500 revised. (3)
The circular moated mound is like a miniature motte but nothing significant was seen on its summit. It is 2.0m in height. Nothing remains of the original manor of Slades, except heavy scatter of 16th century brick and tile evident in the 'L'-shaped pond suggesting two rectangular moated arms; these average 60.0m. long by 10.0m. wide, but there are no traces of the other arms which would complete the enclosure. The original water level was retained by a bank 2.0.m. high on the outside of the north west arm. Below this are two fishponds (one now dry) each measuring 20.0m long by 10.0m wide. Further to the north west at TQ 55349890 is a circular moated mound measuring overall 34.0m diameter by 2.4m. high. The ditch of this mound is fed by a drain and culvert which are possibly contemporary with the manor house. Another pond on higher ground to the south east of the house site at TQ 55439877 was probably a supply pond to the moat. The whole complex has an ornamental appearance contemporary with the manor house. (16th century). Published survey (25") revised. (4) |