Scheduled Ancient Monument: MOATED SITE AT BLEACH FARM (30575)

The monument includes a moated site located close to the eastern boundary of the parish and approximately 750m south east of St Andrew's Church, on a ridge above the small valley in which Wissett village lies. The moat, which is between 5m and 12m wide and water-filled, with a recorded depth of up to 2.5m on the western side, surrounds a quadrangular central island with maximum internal dimensions of 90m WNW-ESE by 80m. A water-filled inlet approximately 14m long and 11m wide extends inward from the northern arm of the moat. Access to the interior is provided by a wide causeway across the eastern arm of the moat, and there is a second, narrower and slightly sunken causeway across the southern arm which is thought to be a later feature, created by infilling. Fragments of pottery found in the moat provide evidence for occupation of the site during the medieval period. From the early 17th century at least Bleach Farm, including the moated site, was owned by Alburgh Townland Charity, purchased by the Trustees in pursuance of the terms of the will of Richard Wright who died in the early 16th century. Bleach Farmhouse, dated to the 16th century, and an associated barn dated to the 18th century but possibly earlier in part, both of which are Listed Buildings Grade II, are excluded from the scheduling, as are all 19th century and modern farm buildings and associated yards within the moated site, modern track surfaces and paths, inspection chambers, service poles, and all fences and gates, although the ground beneath all these features is included.