Claxton medieval moated site

This site is an important survival within the Lower Tees Valley. Medieval moated sites would originally have been more numerous in the area. Intensive arable agriculture, however, has led to the poor survival of most other examples. From a national perspective the importance of the site lies in this regional rarity. Of particular note are the waterlogged remains known to remain preserved within its enclosing ditches.

The site is an example of a moated site of medieval date. The moat encloses a main island of irregular shape and also a dependent annexe to the east. Formerly the enclosing earthworks stood to a height of over 1m in places. These however have suffered plough damage and are now virtually ploughed out. Despite this it is known that substantial remains survive intact beneath the present ground surface. The evidence of field survey and limited excavation has indicated that timber and also stone buildings were located on these enclosed platforms. Significant remains of these are considered to survive across the whole of the enclosed area. Of particular interest and importance are the waterlogged deposits containing wood, seeds, leather and other plant remains also revealed during excavations which remain preserved in the silted up moat.