| Summary : A Medieval and/or Post Medieval moat is situated by the present village of Shearston. A chapel is recorded at "Sheerston" as a chantry chapel of Buckland Priory which was gifted, circa 1167, by William de Erleigh, the founder of the priory. Placename evidence, the moat is situated on the site of "Chapel Hill", suggests that it could be the site of the chapel. No interior structures could be seen, on the ground or on aerial photographs, within the area enclosed by the moat but timber structures, possibly a bridge, were found on the north side when it was drained in 1829. The moat encloses an elongated "D" shape, measuring 90m by 60m, with a broad ditch and a slight internal bank. A pit is situated at it south east corner and two ditched boundaries appear to extend north from its north side. A bank cuts across these. It is possible that the moat is a homestead moat. |
More information : [ST 28173058] CHAPEL [GT] (Site of) [TI] (1)
Notes written c. 1883 state that at Shearston in a meadow adjoining
Thurloxton parish, were in the remains of 'some earthworks', like a
moat, enclosing about an acre. The farm was Chapel Hill.
This moat was drained c. 1829 and the perpendicular banks sloped off
by ploughing. Deeply set in the bed of the moat, on the north side,
were a double line of stout oak posts, which apparently formed the
supports of a bridge.
At this time there were no traces of the traditional chapel, nor did
any houses of the hamlet contain material that could have come
from it.
Collinson states that the chapel was among endowments made to the
Priory of Buckland-Sororum, situated east of Durston, by its founder
William de Erleigh c. 1167.
The chapel of "Sheerston" is recorded as a chantry chapel of
Buckland, (4) but its site cannot be located. (2-4)
The "earthwork" appears to be a homestead moat. The dry moat is
clearly defined, and the material from it appears to have been used
to raise, and level, the enclosed area. There is no trace of
buildings, nor have any been noticed by the farmer.
Re-surveyed at 1:2500. (5)
An isolated farm site. (6)
Centre filled in and outline barely visible. (7)
ST 282 306. The Chapel, Shearston. SAM No 385. (8)
The probably Medieval and/or Post Medieval described above has been mapped from aerial photographs. The moat encloses an elongated "D" shape, measuring 90m by 60m, with a broad ditch and a slight internal bank. No interior structures could be seen. A pit is situated at it south east corner and two ditched boundaries appear to extend north from its north side. A bank cuts across these. It is possible that the moat is a homestead moat.
(9) |