More information : [ST 41024788] - sited from map. An orchard lying behind
the junction of the village street, and Blacksmith's Lane, Blackford,
is traditionally known as 'the Bishop's Palace'. The east and west
sides of a moat approximately 300 ft. across, still contain water.
Excavations within and across the moated area by I.M. Rendell from
1955/57, revealed parts of a stone floor, rotted wall trenches,
roofing materials (including nails), 13th/14th cent. pottery, a
silver penny of Edward I, and three pieces of R.B. pottery.
See AO/LP/64/557 plan of Excavation
Rendell concludes from contemporary bishops' registers etc., that
this is the site of a late 13th/14th cent. episcopal manor house,
demolished by Bishop John Harewell in 1380-90. (1)
Only the moat and slight unsurveyable traces of banks within the
moated area remain. The moat, bounded on the western side by a hedge
and dry apart from a pond in the S.W. corner, has been partially
filled in by rubble on the eastern side.
Surveyed at 1:2500. (2)
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