More information : (SP 32749941) Ratcliffe Culey: South-east of the Sence
Brook, within a field immediately to the east of the church is
a well defined mount and fosse of very moderate dimensions. The
mount is nearly circular with a gradual escarpment of 19 ft. and
is surrounded by a fosse, distinct but very shallow, which latter
condition is due to the action of the plough. (1)
"A good example of a moated site at Ratcliffe Culey, where
there is a circular or an oval site within a deep moat.....This
is probably an early example, perhaps dating from the time of John
(1199-1216)." (2)
Shape and position consistent with a castle mount, but the mound
itself is no higher than the surrounding ground. (3)
Not a castle mound. This is a sub-circular moat (with perhaps
some affinity to a ring-castle), the ditch attaining a max depth
of 1.7m. The enclosed island shows no surface evidence of a
former structure.
Published survey (25" 1959) correct. (4)
Moat and fishponds (see also SP 39 NW 32) at Ratcliffe Culey.
(SP 3275 9941). The oval-shaped, dry moated site measures 50m x 40m overall. The moat ditch is deepest on the south side, approximately 2.5m deep and 12m wide, and has traces of an outer bank on this side. A hollow way runs between the north-west side of the moat and the road to the church. Scheduled (RSM) No 17058/01. (5) |