Details

The monument includes the well-defined remains of a Medieval moated enclosure.
The moated enclosure is rectangular in shape measuring some 105m east-west by
85m north-south in maximum external dimensions. The surrounding dry moat
measures 12m across and about 1.5m deep. A 2m wide causeway crosses the west
arm of the moat with an additional causeway recently constructed across its
south-east angle. External banks, measuring some 6m wide and 2m high, flank
the north and south arms of the moat. The outer edge of the south bank is
shored-up with large timbers. A slighter, 0.5m high 5m wide, outer bank is
visible along the east arm. The interior of the moated enclosure is flat with
no visible earthwork remains of buildings or features upon its surface.

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 Lordship moated enclosure survives in excellent condition and is a very
fine example of a Hertfordshire moated site. The well-preserved outer banks
are unusually high standing.

Source: Historic England

Sources

Other
Ordnance Survey Records, J.R.L., Ordnance Survey Records (1973), (1973)
Ref to a P.H., Brooke, Mr, Ref to a P.H., (1990)
SMR record, SMR Record (1583), (1583)
Title: Tithe Map (1838) (SMR record)
Source Date: 1838
Author:
Publisher:
Surveyor:
SMR record

Source: Historic England