Scheduled Ancient Monument: EARL SOHAM LODGE MOATED SITE AND FISHPONDS (21297-01)

The monument includes a moated site and associated fishponds, situated on a spur overlooking the village of Earl Soham to the south and east. The monument is contained within two separate areas. The moated site includes a sub-circular island surrounded by a water-filled moat between 2m and 2.5m deep and varying in width between 10m on the north west side and 17m on the south east, the overall dimensions being 95m north west - south east by 90m north east - south west. The moat is crossed on the south east side by a 16th century brick-built bridge listed Grade II supported on two arches and on the north west side by a causeway which does not appear to be original. Immediately to the west of the bridge, the southern side of the moat has been extended to form a shallow, sub-rectangular horse-pond. The Grade II* listed house which stands on the island includes parts which are dated to the 16th century and evidence of a more extensive building of 16th century or earlier date is visible on the adjacent south west side of the moat. Here, the inner edge of the moat west of the bridge is faced for a length of approximately 40m with a brick wall, from which project the footings of two large brick bays and, to the east of them, the base of a polygonal brick turret. There is a blocked arch in the wall east of the latter and, beyond the western end of the wall, the base of a second polygonal structure projects onto the moat. The bridge, together with these associated walls and structures, which are also listed Grade II, are included in the scheduling. Substantial foundations have also been noted beneath flower beds behind the wall. Parts of the inner edge of the moat north west of the second polygonal structure and also to the north east of the bridge, are revetted in brick. Approximately 30m east of the moat is a flight of three parallel, rectangular fish ponds, terraced into a gradual, south-facing slope. An outlet from the east side of the moat, piped beneath a field gate, leads into the north western end of the westernmost and largest pond, which measures approximately 32m north - south by 15m east west, and a channel 2m wide issues from the lower, south eastern corner of this to feed the middle and lower ponds, which measure 19m north - south by 8m east - west and 45m north - south by 8m east - west respectively. A part of an outlet channel, approximately 6m long and 5m wide, survives on the eastern side of the lower pond. All three ponds are silted, but the two larger are seasonally wet. Their estimated maximum depth is between 2.5m and 3.5m. The southern end of this system is bounded by a low earthen bank, approximately 0.5m in height. The manor of Earl Soham was purchased in the mid 12th century by Hugh Bigod, Earl of Norfolk and thereafter went with the manor of Framlingham until the end of the 16th century. During the 15th century and for much of the 16th century it formed part of the estates of the Dukes of Norfolk, first of the Mowbray family, then of the Howards. The manor, including Earl Soham Lodge and the park in which it stood was then sold by Thomas Howard, Earl of Suffolk to John Cornwallis (died 1615). The house and all existing outbuildings within the moated area, and all garden walls, other than the walls, revetment and associated structures on the inner faces of the moat as described above, are excluded from the scheduling, as are all yard surfaces and driveways, a lamp post which stands in the yard to the east of the house, the modern concrete blocks which reinforce the outer bank of the moat on the western side, and all fences and field boundaries; the ground beneath these buildings and features is, however, included.