Coldbridge Castle

Description

The excellent preservation of the monument at Coldbridge Farm allows the diversity and complexity of fortified manor sites to be appreciated. Much of the original extent of the earthworks survives and the foundations of the original "castle" buildings on the island are reported to survive in the garden of the present house. The inner moat, although scoured on the west side, remains intact to the north and south and its wetness makes the survival of evidence of the climate and economy of the manor a strong likelihood. The associated paddock boundary is a rare survivor of a common form of livestock husbandry. Beneath the earthworks the original ground surface is likely to survive, further enhancing the archaeological potential. Coldbridge Farm moated site is one of the most complete examples of a fortified manor house in the South-East. The main part of the site includes a complete inner moat with its original causeway, a retaining bank on the north side outside the inner moat, a large fishpond and a partial circuit of outer moat. In addition there is a length of paddock boundary to the south which is associated with the use of the moated manor. Moated sites are usually seen as the prestigious residences of the Lords of the Manor. The moat marked the high status of the occupier but also served to deter casual raiders and wild animals. Coldbridge is an example of a moated site with a strongly defensive function too. Most moats were constructed between 1250 and 1350, but the example at Coldbridge is likely to have been founded in the earlier 13th century as "Colebridge Manor" is mentioned during the rein of Henry III. The fishpond within the bounds of the outer moat provided fish for the table, another sign of high status, while the paddock afforded security to the animals kept there. The outer moat was never a complete wet circuit, the land rising significantly to the south-east and the outer boundary of the moated site here being marked by a slight bank and ditch. (Scheduling Report)

Fragment of castle, now farmhouse. Built by Fulk de Peyforer after 1314. C19 facade. Small block stone, roughly coursed to south elevation, evenly coursed to west, with C19 red brick dressings. Right side of south elevation tile hung on first floor. Plain tile roof. L-plan. South Elevation: 2 storeys. on stone plinth. Flat eaves soffits. Hipped roof with gablets, left (west) hip returning. Gable end stacks. Irregular fenestration of three 2-light casements. Half-glazed central door in C20 half-glazed block porch. West return elevation: cills and lower part of chamfered stone jambs of 2 first-floor windows of a taller, truncated, building, visible immediately under eaves, one towards north end and one towards south. Ashlar jambs of intermediate ground-floor opening towards south end. Interior not inspected. Doubly moated site; inner moat rectangular, outer triangular. (Listed Building Report)