More information : (Area centred TM 07667560) "Site of Saxon remains in moated area". (1)
(TM 076756) Indications of road to Anglo Saxon site in wood. (2)
Near Burgate Hall (16th century) is the site of the moated earlier
Hall.
At TM 07707555 on level ground in Burgate Wood is a sub-oval defensive earthwork measuring overall circa 72.0m N-S by circa 68.0m E-W. It is bounded by a rampart now spread and mutilated, circa 1.2m maximum height and circa 9.0m wide, and a dry outer ditch 2.2m maximum depth and circa 9.0m wide. The latter was formerly shown as waterfilled on OS plans, but present differences in levels do not indicate a continuous moat, though the ditch may have been deepened in places at a later date. The interior is at the same level as the surrounding ground. A lowering of the rampart on the E side is probably an entrance. On the west side, a similar feature appears more likely to be a mutilation. Adjoining it immediately outside the ditch is a platform raised circa 0.5m, its purpose unknown.
The earthwork is similar to that in Cromwell's Plantation (TM 07 SW 43 ),where 12th/14th century pottery and a hearth were excavated. A potsherd identified as 13th century by West (a) was picked up on the surface during field investigation, but this does not allow conclusive dating. Local tradition asserts that this is the site of an earlier (pre 16th century)Burgate Hall.
To the NW a depression, 40.0m long and 1.6m deep, may an associated fishpond. There are woodland boundary banks in Burgate Wood, but there is no evidence to suggest they are contemporary with the earthwork. (3-4)
No identification of a Saxon or other road remains. Re-surveyed at 1:2500. (5) |