Braiseworth Hall, Tannington

Description

VCH record of a 'moated enclosure with stronger defensive works (Class G)'. Braiseworth Hall, 3 miles north-west from Framlingham, has a series of moats contained within one large oblong moat, the latter being strengthened by a rampart upon its inner margin; this bank still remains round one third of the whole cincture. (VCH)

Braiseworth Hall although originally of C16 date appears to have been extensively rebuilt. The external brick-work is C19 and C20, the most recent being to the rear of the house. Surrounding the house and situated on level ground are the remains of a manorial complex comprising an almost complete sub-rectangular moat set within a large rectangular ditched enclosure. The moat measures overall 77.0m northwest to southeast by 65.0m transversely, and its ditch. waterfilled by seepage, averages 9.0m wide. The west angle and parts of the northwest and southwest arms have been filled. Access is by two causeways on the northwest and southwest arms and a modern brick bridge across the southeast arm. The northwest causeway seems to be the original. The island is mainly under grass and no evidence of former occupation can be seen. The encompassing enclosure, of which most of the southwest and all the northwest sides have been filled in measured 300.0m northwest-southeast by 130.0m transversely. Its ditch, waterfilled by seepage, varies between 9.0m and 3.5m wide and has an average depth of 3.0m. It also has an inner rampart along the southeast and southern parts of the northeast and southwest arms which averages 1.5m high but is strongest at the south and east angles, where it is 2.2m and 1.9m respectively. Two modern causeways across the northeast arm give access to the inner area much of which is under lawn.
A small sub-square moat at TL 24716710 within the outer enclosure has overall measurements of 38.0m northeast-southwest by 36.0m transversely. The ditch waterfilled by seepage, has an average width of 6.0m and is 2.1m deep. Access is by a modern wooden bridge at the south angle. The island stands 1.0m above ground level and is covered by grass and trees. No evidence of occupation can be seen on its surface. It does not appear to be connected with the manorial earthworks and is therefore probably ornamental. A former internal ditch now forms the northwest side and north angle, but another wider ditch to the rear of farm buildings has gone. (PastScape–Field Investigators Comments-F1 GJM 18-NOV-77)

Comments

A source given in the PastScape record is the 1950 listed building but the house does not appear in the current online listing. There may be confusion between this Braiseworth Hall and the Braiseworth Old Hall, Braiseworth. The description of the moats seems accurate but the house description may be inaccurate.