More information : (SK 788 082) Moat (NR) (1)
Known locally as "Oliver Cromwell's Castle". See plan. The outer
moats(?) may represent an extension. This site was probably a
fortified grange, as the parish was owned by Owston Abbey (see SK 70 NE 1).
The earthworks comprise a strong moated site with small ditched
fields adjacent.
A disturbed area on the island is probably grass covered
foundations and there is a suggestion of a causeway close to the
west end of the southern arm.
The "Gatehouse" on Bott's plan is problematical and the
'embankment' suggested as a roadway is merely a fieldbank.
The house 'Oliver Cromwell's Castle' is not known locally. (2)
See 25" Survey. (3)
SK 7879 0819. Moated grange and enclosure at Owston.
This site is known locally as `Oliver Cromwell's Castle'. It comprises a large sub-rectangular moat and an associated enclosure to the south. The moat measures 110m x 125m. The surrounding ditch is water-filled, 12m - 15m wide, and up to 3.0m deep at the south-east corner. An inturned corner of the moat on the north-west has an extra arm which projects into the island for a distance of 20m. An inner bank is identifiable on the south and east sides of the island. Attached to the south side of the moat is a large enclosure defined partly by a ditch 6m wide and 1m deep which runs the width of the field 60m to the south.
This may have been a moated grange farm belonging to Owston Abbey.
Scheduled (RSM) No. 17031. (4) |