[TQ 83064436] Moat Farm (NAT) [North arm of moat shown.] (1) Shown as a complete rectangular moat. No name appended. (2) At Moat Farm, a probably 18th century farmhouse of no particular distinction, are the remains of a moat. An artificially widened stretch of stream forms the N. arm, whilst the W. arm has been incorporated into a large pond. Construction of the road from Headcorn to Staplehurst, has destroyed all traces of the S. side, and the E. side has been filled in leaving no traces. (3) Published 25" Survey correct. (4) Additional bibliography. (5-8)

The enclosure is shown on OS drawings of 1789 and 1799 with the building located on the road front. The moat is not clearly depicted. The tithe map of 1843 shows the moat encircling the site with a causeway in the northeast corner facing east. Small enclosures or structures are shown to the north and the east of the house. The first edition OS map shows the eastern and northern arms of the moat but the southern appears to have been filled by this date. The eastern arm was filled by the time of the second edition OS map, late in the 19th century.

A watching brief in 2009 by Archaeology South-East in the northern part of the site found evidence of post medieval rubbish disposal. Two sherds of pottery dating from the 15th to mid 16th century and from the 16th to 17th century were found. (11)

<1> OS 6" 1961 (OS Card Reference). SKE48369.

<2> Map of Kent 1779 (Andrews, Drury & Herbert) (OS Card Reference). SKE46518.

<3> F1 ASP 08.12.61 (OS Card Reference). SKE41994.

<4> F2 CFW 15.01.64 (OS Card Reference). SKE43240.

<5> Arch Cant 93 1977 221 (T Tatton-Brown) (OS Card Reference). SKE36146.

<6> Arch Cant 94 1978 282 (T Tatton-Brown) (OS Card Reference). SKE36199.

<7> Moated Sites Research Group 6 1979 (Ed C J Bond) 47 (OS Card Reference). SKE47303.

<8> DOE (HHR) Borough of Maidstone Kent 21 November 1986 43 (OS Card Reference). SKE39930.

<9> Field report for monument TQ 84 SW 5 - December, 1961 (Bibliographic reference). SKE4389.

<10> Field report for monument TQ 84 SW 5 - January, 1964 (Bibliographic reference). SKE4390.

<11> Archaeology South-East, 2009, An Archaeological Watching Brief at The Moat, Headcorn, Kent (Unpublished document). SKE18253.