TQ 8972 4224 (FCE). A well-preserved rectangular platform adjacent to the west bank of the River Beult is thought locally to be a moat - possibly the site of a precursor to Romden Castle (TQ 8966 4211). This is partly on account of the field name `Hamlets' that occurs on the Tithe map (1a). A further, roughly triangular, area of earthworks to the SW is possibly an ancilliary close.

The `moat' measures c 37m by 18m lip to lip, with a distinctly curving NW end, and is surrounded on the three sides away from the river by a broad, consistent ditch 10m wide and up to 1m deep. The island is not raised above the surrounding ground surface, and is covered in narrow ridge-and-furrow ploughing. However, the feature is unlikely to be a deliberate creation, and is more probably a remnant river channel which fortuitously resembles a moat. This interpretation is supported by the fact that the stretch of the river above Romden Bridge is strikingly regular, as if it has been straightened. Similarly, the curving scarp that forms the SE side of the triangular, `ancilliary close', is probably no more than the earlier line of the river bank. At least 6 other instances of the field name `Hamlets' occur on the Tithe map, and its significance may be other than implying lost settlement.

Surveyed. Plans and detailed level 3 descriptive text (1b) are in the NMR archive. (1-5)

<1> F1 WRWN 01-FEB-90 (OS Card Reference). SKE43046.

<2> Field Report on TQ 84 SE 17 - 01-FEB-1990 (Bibliographic reference). SKE6462.

<3> RCHME: Romden Moat and Gardens, Kent (Collection). SKE6482.

<4> Romden Moat/ink survey (Graphic material). SKE6373.

<5> Romden Moat/pencil survey (Graphic material). SKE6374.

<6> Romden Moat/report (Bibliographic reference). SKE6427.