More information : [SJ 6071 6431] Moat [G.T.]
[SJ 6074 6423] Drawbridge [G.T.] (Site of) (1)
Three sides of the homestead moat are well preserved, but only
a fragment of the fourth side remains. There is nothing to
indicate that there was a Drawbridge.
Published survey (O.S. 25"1910) revised. (2)
Survey of 15.2.62. checked and found correct. (3)
SJ 6072 6425. Darley Hall moated site. Scheduled RSM No 23638.
A rectangular island measuring approximately 65m x 54m with a low
flat platform in its E quadrant. It is surrounded by a waterlogged
moat 1m deep to water level on all sides except the SE, where only
a fragment remains close to the S corner, the remainder having been
infilled. The moat's SW and NW arms measure 13m-18m wide and the
wider NE arm measures up to 34m. The 1695 estate map of Oulton Lowe
(Darley demesne) shows the island completely surrounded by the moat
with access across the moat's SE arm. Darley Hall is depicted
occupying the island and there are various outbuildings to the SE of
the moat. It is thought that the island was abandoned after this date
when the present Darley Hall was built on the site of the
outbuildings depicted on the estate map. (4)
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