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HER Number (PRN):02915
Name:Moat like feature around Castle Farm, excavated in 1980
Type of Record:Monument
Protected Status:None recorded

Monument Type(s):

  • MOAT (Medieval to 17th century - 1066 AD to 1699 AD)
  • MOATED SITE (Medieval to 17th century - 1066 AD to 1699 AD)

Summary

A moated site of medieval date. Excavations in 1980, ahead of reservoir construction, produced only 17th century material but it has been suggested that this could solely date to the abandonment of the site. Now destroyed.

Parish:Lilleshall and Donnington, Telford and Wrekin
Map Sheet:SJ70NW
Grid Reference:SJ 7254 0938

Related records

00281Related to: Enclosure site N of Castle Farm, Shifnal (Monument)
15292Related to: The site of Farmhouse at Castle Farm, Lilleshall (Monument)
15293Related to: The site of Outbuildings at Castle Farm (Monument)

Associated Finds: None recorded

Associated Events

  • ESA2730 - 1980 excavation of postulated moated site, Castle Farm, Shifnal by BUFAU

Description

Castle Farm (SA 15292 and 15293) is surrounded on the N and E sides by an L shaped pond resembling the partial remains of a former rectangular moat. Excavation in advance of the construction of a reservoir suggested a C17 date for the construction of this pond feature. It seems probable that the site was established as a residential farm in the 12th century, deserted in the 13th and redeveloped in the 18th. <1>

However, the lack of medieval residual material during excavation is to be expected if the moat had been frequently cleared out and the C17 material would merely reflect the date of its abandonment. In addition the pond appears to have formerly been rectangular as there is a suggestion of four corners of such a feature on the Tithe Award Map-again suggesting a moated site. Furthermore, C13 references to The Castle, Shifnal ie Castle Farm seems to contradict the conclusion from excavation that the site was abandoned at this time. <2><3>

The site is now destroyed. <4>

Castle Farm. Apparent moat shown on the N and E, and part of the W and S sides of the farm buildings. <5>

Pool of water on the N, shallow depressions on the E and SW. Not a moat. <6>

The modern farm stands on a platform of which the eastern part was excavated in 1980. The result of the excavation sugests that the area was established as a residential farm in the 12th century. It was deserted in the 13th century and re-establisged in the 18th century. The farm is limited to the E, N and W by ponds. It was thought that these were originally part of a moat, but excavation of the S `re-entrant' showed it to be no earlier than the 17th century. This site may be covered by a reservoir. <7>

Sources

[00]SSA20722 - Card index: Shropshire County Council SMR. Site and Monuments Record (SMR) cards. SMR record cards. SMR Card for PRN SA 02915.
[01]SSA1318 - Article in serial: Ashton-Cooper W M A et al. 1980. Excavation and Survey at Castle Farm Shifnal. W Midlands Archaeol. Vol 23. p41-51.
[02]SSA7859 - Map: Anon. Tithe Award Map for Priorslee. Tithe Maps. Priorslee.
[03]SSA2432 - Monograph: Eyton R W. 1854/ 1860. Antiquities of Shropshire (Volume 2). Vol 2. p318-319.
[04]SSA22421 - Vertical aerial photograph: Cartographical Services Ltd. 1983. Set of vertical aerial photographs, 1983 (Carto Services). Black and white. 1:10000. Frame 8738.
[05]SSA2933 - Map: Anon. 1840. Tithe Award Map for Shifnal. Tithe Maps. Shifnal.
[06]SSA31554 - Site visit report: Ordnance Survey Field Investigator. Various. NRHE: Ordnance Survey Field Investigators Comments. F1 DJC 09-Jul-1975.
[07]SSA34160 - Volume: Various. 1978-80. BUFAU Annual Report Volume 3. BUFAU Annual Reports. 3. p7-16.
Date Last Edited:Nov 29 2024 3:10PM