More information : [SE 40143879] MOAT [GT] (1)
A double ditch and rampart is visible in the wood west of Manor Garth. This is traditionally believed the site of the monastery built by Thridwulf in the 8th century, also the site of a fortification of Oswiu of the 7th century. Three stone coffins have been found in the wood, one of which is preserved at Potterton Hall, also a stone axe. (2-4)
This alleged moat is most likely to be the result of quarrying. Colman discusses the earthworks and moat at Potterton and dismisses them as being the remains of a former pottery industry. He cites the local names of Potterton and Brickpond Farm as having derived from that industry. (See SE 43 NW ?). The area is well suited for such a purpose as clay predominates. The remains make no coherent pattern and are suggestive of quarry spoil heaps. The published earthwork takes the form of a slight ditch adjoining these quarries. It is situated in a field that has also been quarried on a lesser scale. Part of this field is now being used as a tip, and this process has infilled most of the ditch. It seems most probable that the ditch was contemporary with the various ground disturbance surrounding it, and cannot therefore be considered an antiquity. (5)
Mr.E.Horner, owner of Potterton Hall, states that the find spot and present whereabouts of the stone axe are unknown. The stone coffin, now broken, is situated at SE 40543883 in the grounds of the Hall. (6) |