Monument record TQ 53 NE 802 - Probable site of a medieval moated manor house known as Rust Hall

Landscape remains, which are probably from a moated medieval manor house referred to as ‘Rust Hall’ on early maps are visible on land owned by Tunbridge Wells Golf Club. A feature likely to represent a square moat can also be seen clearly using Environment Agency LiDAR data in approximately the location that the manor house is marked on a series of historic maps. (1)

During 2019, a number of site visits were carried out which identified Kentish Peg Tile fragments from the raised area in the centre of the 'moat'. Several other potential features were identified. These comprised a trackway associated with a deep drainage ditch which lead to the southern side of the earthwork. The trackway is marked on the 1838 Heritage Tithe Map, and contains a veteran oak tree estimated by the author to be over 300 years of age. These are interpreted (2) as potentially relating to a post-medieval formal gardens which is shown on a 1797 AD map of the site.

In 2020, further desk-based research focusing on LiDAR data and early historic mapping was carried out. The possible moat a the site is estimated to be at least 60m square. Analysis of LiDAR data shows a possible circular feature to the NE of the site and a distinct boundary feature to the east, interpreted by the author as potential evidence for a tower and curtain wall. (2)

<1> WKD Archaeology, 2018, Investigation Into The Probable Site Of A Medieval Moated Manor House Known as Rust Hall (Unpublished document). SKE52276.

<2> WKD Archaeology, 2020, Investigation Into The Probable Site Of A Medieval Moated Manor House Known as Rust Hall, May 2020 update and Dr I Beavis discussion (Unpublished document). SKE53640.