[TQ 9145 7219] MOAT [NR] (1) There is a homestead moat at Queenborough, 500 ft. east of the castle. [TQ 97 S.W.1] (2) Situated on the edge of the marshes this irregular-shaped enclosure comprises a slight inner bank with an outer ditch. It has been super-imposed upon an old counter wall running to the NW. To the S is a rectangular depression, now dry, possibly a pond. This is not a homestead moat, and its date and purpose on both doubtful. Published 1/1250 survey revised (3). TQ 914723: Moat, east of Sheppey Castle, listed in the county checklist of moated sites in Kent of December 1979 (4). TQ 914721: Part of the moated site, adjacent to Queenborough Castle was excavated in 1977 by the Kent Archaeological Rescue Unit. An enclosed platform, covering about 1/2 acre, contained a substantial masonry building (5-6). Additional reference (7) and site photographs (8-10).

The site was excavated by the Kent Archaeological Rescue Unit in 1977 ahead of house building. The raised platform and moat were sub oval and 38m x 25m, with the moat 6-8m wide. A building was found within the enclosure. It consisted of stone built foundations and three or four rooms. A sherd of 14th century pottery was found sealed below the mound. (11)

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

<2> VCH Kent, Vol.1, 1908, p.428 (plan p.409) (I.C. Gould) (OS Card Reference). SKE51236.

<3> F1 ASP 20-AUG-63 (OS Card Reference). SKE42202.

<4> Moated Sites Res Gp Rep 6 1979 47 (ed C J Bond) (OS Card Reference). SKE47269.

<5> Md Arch 22 1978 181 (L Webster & J Cherry) (OS Card Reference). SKE46612.

<6> KAR 51 10 1978 (OS Card Reference). SKE45357.

<7> Field report for monument TQ 97 SW 2 - August, 1963 (Bibliographic reference). SKE5019.

<8> 1946, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX9518.

<9> 1946, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX9571.

<10> 1998, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX11299.

<11> Brian Philp, 2013, A medieval moated site at Queenborough, Isle of Sheppey (Article in serial). SKE24835.