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Summary

Orby moated site and possible Medieval manorial complex

Full description

PRN 43552
A disturbed area within the moat indicates the probable site of the early manor house. {1}{2}

The remains take the form of a moat partly enclosing an asymmetric, curvilinear island, measuring approximately 80m by 70m, at least three sub-rectangular embanked platforms approximately 0.4m high are visible on the island in the moat. These suggest the presence of structures or garden features associated with the site of a medieval house located within the island. The presence of the moated site, in close association with the parish church and the present day Manor Farmhouse, suggests that it represents the original location of the medieval manor of Orby. Field observation in 1964 revealed that a number of conjoined rectangular ditched enclosures formerly existed immediately to the south and east of the moat; these were interpreted as the remains of manorial enclosures and crofts. Their relationship with the moated site is indicative of it being a focal point for settlement and therefore of sufficient status to represent a manorial site. {3}

It was established during a rapid walkover survey and discussion with the occupants of the present day Manor Farm, that the modern farm was enclosed on the west and south sides by a large ditch. No comparable ditch exists on the north side of the farm, but a depression observed to run through the southern part of the churchyard was thought to represent the remains of a corresponding feature. It is suggested that the ditches and depression define the limits of an enclosure, somewhat like an outer bailey, thought to have contained the 'home farm' known from documentary sources to have been adjacent to the manor. A slick-stone or linen smoother found close by may attest to textile and/or clothing production on the manor.{4}{5}{6}

<1> HBMC, AM 7, SAM 305 (Scheduling Record). SLI4186.

<2> OS CARD INDEX, TF 46 NE:1 - (Index). SLI2674.

<3> ENGLISH HERITAGE, 1997, REVISED SCHEDULING DOCUMENT 30211, MPP 23 (Scheduling Record). SLI4328.

<4> Pre-Construct Archaeology, May 2000, Land at The Green, Orby, TGO00 (Report). SLI6286.

<5> Pre-Construct Archaeology, May 2000, Land at The Green, Orby, LCNCC 2000.87 (Archive). SLI6287.

<6> Owen, A.E.B., 1996, Lincolnshire History and Archaeology, Vol 31, pp. 20-21 (Article in Serial). SLI6288.

Monument Types

• MANOR HOUSE (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
• MOAT (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)

Associated Finds

• LINEN SMOOTHER (Early Medieval/Dark Age to Medieval - 900 AD to 1299 AD)

Associated Events

• Walkover survey of Manor Farm

Protected Status

• Scheduled Monument
• SHINE

Sources and further reading

Related records

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