More information : Centred SJ 4847 6408 A ditched enclosure, approximately square in
shape with a side of about 85.0 metres - visible on A.Ps. (1)
Situated in open pastureland, and bounded by the River Gowy to
the east and a disused mill race to the west this ditched
enclosure has the appearance of a moat. The surrounding land is
flat and marshy.
The ditch averages 20.0m in width, 1.8m in internal depth and
1.3m in external depth. The southern slope of the ditch on the
S.E. side has a slight counter scarp, 0.3m high. A disused
channel on the east side probably indicates the point where the
moat is drained into the Gowy in flood times. The moat is now
dry and the course of the Gowy has been diverted to the N.E.
No traces of internal habitation have survived. There is no
trace of a causeway across the moat. The enclosed area is flat.
Surveyed at 1:2500. (2)
No change since report of 18.8.59.
Published 1:2500 survey, 1961, correct. (3)
The moat probably represents the site of the manor of Foulk
Stapleford. Documentary evidence suggests the site was already
abandoned by the early 16th century.
The moat has been overploughed with the result that earthwork
definition is poor, although the ditch is 18m-20m wide and still
averages 1.2m deep. The north-west angle has been damaged by a
disused mill leat down the west side of the site. There are traces of
an outer bank, well-preserved to the south-east but fainter to the
north-east.
The site was surveyed at 1:1000 scale. The above description is
summarised from a descriptive text held with full survey information
in the NMR archive. (4)
SJ 4846 6408. Foulk Stapleford moated site. Scheduled RSM No 13457.
(5)
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