Melton Mowbray Spinney Farm moat

Description

VCH records this site as a 'moated inclosure with stronger defensive works.'

On the north of Spinney Farm, the site of an ancient house is seen in a rectangular mound 8 ft. 6 in. on the scarp, surrounded by a moat, the counterscarp being surmounted by a bank. On the west side is a double agger, 2 ft. high, beyond which is a court 18ft. wide, protected by a vallum 15ft. broad, with a scarp of 8 ft. to the river. This vallum continues around the north, and becomes stronger at the north-west angle, where is a descent to the river. On the east side the moat is 23ft. wide and 16ft. on the scarp, but with no revetment, which, however, is again in evidence along the south side. At the south-west angle the moat branches out, and, with a vallum, follows the course of the brook, and turning eastward forms the boundary to a large courtyard until lost beneath the action of the plough. (VCH)

Moated grange at Spinney Farm, Melton Mowbray. The moat is rectangular, measuring 95m x 68m. The arms are 2.0m deep, and range in width from 14m on the eastern side to 8.0m on the northern and western sides. Inner and outer banks are visible on the northern and western sides of the moat. The inner bank is 1.0-1.5m high, the outer is 0.5m high. Outside the moat there are a number of earthworks associated with water management of the site. Historical records identify the moat as a possible grange belonging to the Priory of Lewes in Sussex, later passing to the ownership of the local town estate. (PastScape–scheduling record)

Comments

Nothing to suggest any other defensive features at this grange site although the relative isolation of the site may have made it more vulnerable to gangs of robbers.