More information : (TL 4697 2895) Moat (NR) (1)
(TL 4699 2895) Mound (NR) (2)
A Norman ring-work, with overall diameter of about 180 ft was excavated at the Crump, Berden, by the owner. Finds consist of typical 12th C. assemblage of cooking pots, figure-of-eight bronze strip, wavy-edged horse-shoes and "fiddle key" nails. (3-4)
On the S and E sides the moat, now dry, has been partially filled in, while on the W and N sides, the moat still contains water, and is about 6 ft deep. (5)
The Crump (name verified) a circular earthwork situated in the garden of Stocks Farm c 1/2 mile S of Berden. It comprises a bank and outer ditch which encloses a saucer-shaped area, and measures c 53.0m overall diameter. The ditch is c 1.5m deep, the W arm waterfilled; the E arm is now dry, though it was originally wet. The bank is c 2.9m above the base of the ditch. The interior is not level but distinctly saucer-shaped, the height from base of "saucer" to top of bank being c 1.0m. The only break in the bank is on the S side, but there is no corresponding causeway across the ditch.
Neither the excavator nor the finds can be located.
Mr J Hedges (a) lists this and other similar works in Essex as ring mottes; Mr S E West (b) considers that the Suffolk examples may be Danish.
In four examples of these constructions in East Anglia, 12/13th C pottery has been found, but in such circumstances that the work cannot precisely dated. (See TL 42 NE 5).
Resurveyed at 1:2500. (6)
TL 470289. The Crump, ring motte at Stocks Farm. Scheduled 103. (7)
Listed by Cathcart King. (8) |