Monument record MLS 004 - Mellis Hall

Moat. Rectangular, occupied, beside green. Called 'Mellis Hall' on OS map.

At Mellis Hall there are extensive divisional moats. The most perfect is oblong, stretching from which, in a NE direction, are various fragments apparently enclosing three distinct areas; one continuous water-trench to the SE runs the length of the various works. (2)

(TM 09347427) Hall Farm. Area of burnt clay in the centre of a moated area, now levelled, is probably the hearth of a medieval house. (3)

Mellis: Site surveyed by S E West, who reports damage too great to make excavation worthwhile. (4)

Mellis Hall dates to the 16th century according to the owner, but it is externally modernised, and not outstanding. See ground photograph.

Surrounding the Hall is a waterfilled, rectangular moat measuring overall circa 80.0m E-W by circa 60.0m N-S with arms averaging circa 8.0m wide.

To the E, the water features shown on the OS 25" were mostly filled in circa two years ago, and the area is now under plough. These were evidently ponds formed by clay digging, the surviving ponds do not have the appearance of moat remains.

Heavy scatters of the Md tile in this area (centred TM 092742) testify to former occupation, probably relating to the Md development of Mellis.