Monument record MDO951 - Moat west of Benville Knap, Corscombe

The earthwork remains of a medieval manorial complex consisting of a square enclosure containing a moated island which bears traces of at least one building platform. A hollow way approaches the site from the south and is flanked at its southern end by two square mounds, which may represent the remains of a gatehouse. To the east and south east of the moated site are two fishponds, contained within a polygonal enclosure.

A homestead moat in a field called Ley, 300 yds W of Benville Knap, is now dry. The moat is square. <1> ST 54050355. This moat is in very good condition, in a low lying grass field. There is a tendency to marshiness in the surrounding fields. The moat encloses a square platform of 20.0m side. The ditch is from 12.0 to 15.0m. wide, and 1.5m. deep, with a bank on the N. and S. sides. This outer bank averages 5.0m wide and 0.5m. high. There is no causeway across the moat, but the ditch has a feed on the W. side. There is at present no water in the moat, but numerous streamlets flow in the adjoining fields. A scarp 7.0m. wide and 1.3m. high, which runs S. from the S.E. corner of the earthwork seems to have been a ditch associated in some way with the homestead moat. (There are no signs of internal occupation within this moat). <2> The moat is as described. The original entrance was apparently on the south where there is a ramped approach to the ditch but no causeway across it. South of the moat are two poorly defined building platforms and possible traces of others immediately within the fields to the N. and E., but nothing surveyable. However, the name "Court Ley" for the field and possible building sites suggest a manorial rather than a homestead moat. Surveyed at 1/2500. <3> ST 540035. Moated sited W of Benville Knap in a low lying meadow called either Castle Field or Court Ley. It is in excellent condition and now a rarity in this part of the country. Scheduled. <5> Earthworks lie to the NW, NE and SE of the moat and consist of banked enclosures and three possible fishponds (See illust). <6> A moat and building platforms set within a square enclosure measuring 80m x 80m. To the east are two fishponds, within a further enclosure. Further settlement remains south of the moat. The field is known locally as Castle Field or Court Ley. The moat, measuring 38m x 38m is not within the south-west corner of a square enclosure defined by a low (0.5m) bank, approximately 5.0m wide. The island, measuring 25m x 25m, contains the clear remains of a rectangular building, some 13m x 12m, now defined by low (0.5m max.) mounds. An entrance (almost certainly an original feature), was noted on the south side, facing a low mound on the outer (southern) lip of the moat, marking the position of the access ramp to either a timber bridge, or possibly, a drawbridge. To the north the moat is contained by a broad bank 7m wide and upto 1.5m high. At the north- east corner a break may mark an original sluice channel allowing drainage into a stream. At the time of survey (February) the moat still held water on its northern and eastern sides. West of the moat earthworks mark the positions of at least four buildings. The low banks forming this group clearly mark the lines of stone walls. A probable original entrance to this complex through the surrounding square enclosure was located 10m south west of the south west corner of the moat, where the bank beyond the south side of the moat turns through 90 degrees and flanks the entrance for a distance of 6m. South of the moat further platforms indicate former structures. The area is served by a holloway, flanked at its southern end by a pair of low (c.1.0m), square mounds, containing much rubble, possibly marking the former presence of a substantial gatehouse. The holloway leads towards the bridge ramp to give access to the moat. From the north-east corner of the Fish Pond traces of a further channel were noted. Although now mutilated by a modern field entrance, the feature clearly fed a second fish pond located 15m east of the moat. This pond measures 38m x 8m, and the northern two thirds still contains water to a depth in excess of 1.0m. At its northern end a channel led into the small stream, thus allowing the water level to be kept constant and facilatate maintenance of both fish ponds. On its eastern side the pond is contained by a bank up to 1.5m high and 10m wide. The ponds are set within a polygonal enclosure defined by a bank and ditch measuring 7.0m wide overall. The character and substance of the earthworks clearly mark the site as being of some importance, and it is likely to mark a manorial complex rather than a homestead moat. The state of preservation makes it a rare survival in this part of the country. Resurveyed at 1:1000. Revises at 1:2500. <7> ST 54060353. Moated site and associated features, located in a field known locally as Castle Field or Court Ley. Scheduling amended. <8>

Record last edited

Nov 17 2022 3:47PM