More information : [SJ 6892 6029] Moat [G.T.] (1)
Two well-preserved concentric moats. The interior has been
rig-and-furrow ploughed. Resurveyed at 1/2500. (2)
Survey of 7.3.62. checked and found correct. (3)
SJ 689 603.The heavy defences implied by this double moated site
suggest that the settlement on the island was one of considerable
interest and importance - Scheduled No 121. (4)
SJ 6892 6029 (GCE). The moated site at Minshull Vernon lies in the
east of the parish of Minshull Vernon, some 50m to the north-west of
a mixed coppice woodland known as Larch Wood. The major earthwork
feature within the group is a double-ditched enclosure, previously
categorised as a 'moat'. The earthworks were surveyed at 1:1000 by
RCHME in 1992. No earthwork evidence was found during the survey to
contradict the previous categorisation. The enclosure overall is
polygonal and measures around 100m north to south and 80m
transversely. Its outer ditch is virtually dry and defines a large
platform of land within which is an inner ditch, in contrast quite
boggy, and defining a much smaller platform. This platform is
trapezoidal, measuring a maximum of 35m by 37m, and is over-ploughed
with ridge and furrow. The area between the ditches of the inner and
outer arms is over-ploughed with narrow ridge and furrow. A small
shallow pond immediately south-west of the moat may be associated
with the moat. To the east of the moat is an extensive area of broad
ridge and furrow which appears to respect the moat and is probably,
therefore later than, or contemporary with it. Traces of later ridge
and furrow are visible to the south and west of the moat where the
outer bank has been over-ploughed. Three ponds recorded in Larch Wood
(SD 66 SE 12) are arranged in linear fashion and oriented north-west
to south-east. These may also be associated with the moat, but no
clear relationship was discernable.
Full survey information, including an analytical report, is available
in the NMR Archive. (5) |