Details

The monument includes a moated site, situated at the boundary between the
parishes of Dennington, to the south and east, and Tannington, which lies to
the north west. The island, which is sub-rectangular in plan and unoccupied,
is raised approximately 0.5m above the external ground level and has maximum
dimensions of 40m north east - south west by 38m north west - south east. The
moat which surrounds the island is approximately 1.6m deep, with arms
measuring between 9m and 12m in width, and it is crossed by a causeway on the
south western side. The line of the north western arm extends from the
western angle of the moat in a projecting pond approximately 26m long and up
to 13m wide; and 14m to the south east of this is a parallel but much shorter
outward projection, flanking the southern side of the causeway. The moat
remains water-logged, with some shallow, open water on the eastern side. Farm
buildings abutting the moat on the north western side are excluded from the
scheduling, as is a telegraph pole near the causeway, but the ground beneath
these features is included.

MAP EXTRACT
The site of the monument is shown on the attached map extract.
It includes a 2 metre boundary around the archaeological features,
considered to be essential for the monument's support and preservation.

Source: Historic England

Reasons for Scheduling

Around 6,000 moated sites are known in England. They consist of wide ditches,
often or seasonally water-filled, partly or completely enclosing one or more
islands of dry ground on which stood domestic or religious buildings. In some
cases the islands were used for horticulture. The majority of moated sites
served as prestigious aristocratic and seigneurial residences with the
provision of a moat intended as a status symbol rather than a practical
military defence. The peak period during which moated sites were built was
between about 1250 and 1350 and by far the greatest concentration lies in
central and eastern parts of England. However, moated sites were built
throughout the medieval period, are widely scattered throughout England and
exhibit a high level of diversity in their forms and sizes. They form a
significant class of medieval monument and are important for the understanding
of the distribution of wealth and status in the countryside. Many examples
provide conditions favourable to the survival of organic remains.

The moated site at Fenton's Farm survives well and is unencumbered by modern
building. It will retain archaeological information concerning the
construction and use of the site and the economy of its inhabitants. Organic
material, including evidence of the local environment, will be preserved in
the water-logged deposits.

Source: Historic England