Details

The monument includes a rectangular moated site, building foundations and
related occupation debris and a fishpond 200m west of Holbury Manor. The moat
is partly water-filled with entrances to the east and west. The monument is
orientated ENE-WSW and has external dimensions of c.75m north-south and c.60m
east-west. The moat survives to a width of 10m and encloses an island c.45m
square. Finds of medieval pottery and tile within the island demonstrate the
presence of buildings on the site. Ploughing of a field immediately north of
the moated site also revealed building foundations and occupation debris of
medieval date. North of the occupation area are two fishponds considered to
be contemporary with the moated site. These are water-filled and survive up
to 100m in length, 20-25m wide and to a depth of 1m.
Documentary evidence indicates that the site was one of the smaller granges of
Beaulieu Abbey. By the 16th century the grange had become impoverished and
leased out.

MAP EXTRACT
The site of the monument is shown on the attached map extract.

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.

Although a large number of moated sites are known in England, relatively few
survive in Hampshire. This example is particularly important as it survives
well with a good range of associated contemporary features. The site has
potential for the further recovery of archaeological remains (both structures
and artefacts). In addition documentary evidence for the history of the
monument survives providing details of its occupation.

Source: Historic England

Sources

Books and journals
Stamper, P, Medieval Hampshire: studies in landscape history, (1983), 256
Stamper, P, Medieval Hampshire: studies in landscape history, (1983)
Devenish, D, 'Hants Archaeology Newsletter' in Holbury, , Vol. 2, (1972), 8-9
Other
Dennison, E and Darvill, T, HBMC Monument Class Description - Moats, 1988,
Dennison, E., MPP Single Monument Class Descriptions - Fishponds, (1988)

Source: Historic England