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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