Moated sites in south-east England: 21st-century research and insights

The Medieval Studies Forum and CBA-SE are pleased to come together for this joint conference which brings together new research and insights on moated sites in the south-east of England, while considering themes and approaches which can be applied to older excavations.

The study of moated sites was a key concern of English medieval archaeology in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, not least in the South-East where such monuments could be found in large numbers. Threats to the existence of many moated sites from development and agriculture, plus their susceptibility to correlation with historical sources, led to a profusion of excavations, research and publications. This tailed off in subsequent decades, although recent years have seen the emergence of more theoretical approaches to their study, with moats being interpreted less as defensive features and more as expressions of social status and stratification. 

This study day may not bring moated sites back to being the height of archaeological fashion but will bring them into the 21st century perspective. Recent research from the South-East, including the revisiting of old excavation data, has produced exciting new insights and pointed towards new lines of inquiry. By taking a regional view, trends across space and time can be identified, and it is hoped that this might inspire fresh investigation of this important class of medieval and post-medieval monuments.

Ticket prices are £10 for SyAS and CBA-SE members (and students); £15 for non-members. Please book via the tab above. Space is limited so please do book in advance. Email medforum@hotmail.co.uk with queries or to reserve a place with cash payment on the day. Further details, including directions for the venue, are available in the attached flyer.

Programme:

10.00 Registration and refreshments
10.30 Welcome and introduction to the day (Rob Briggs, Chair, Surrey Archaeological Society Medieval Studies Forum)
10.40 Surrey’s moated sites: recent research, themes and thoughts arising (Rob Briggs, SyAS)
11.15 Moated Sites at National Trust Properties in Kent and Sussex (Nathalie Cohen, National Trust)
11.50 Comfort break
11.55 Plumpton Place: research, survey and excavation 2019-2023 (Diccon Hart, HB Archaeology and Conservation Ltd)
12.30 Lunch
13.30 'Homestead' moats and the elusive medieval garden: Romshed and Chiddingstone Burghersh in the Weald of Kent (Alastair Oswald, English Heritage)
14.05 Recent work on moated sites in the Darent Valley (Anne Sassin, Kent Downs National Landscape)
14.40 Comfort break
14.45 Encircling histories: recent research on the moat at Scadbury Manor, Chislehurst (Janet Clayton, Orpington and District Archaeological Society)
15.20 Closing remarks and discussion
15.30 Close