THERE are 12 'ancient monuments; in the borough recognised by Historic England (formerly English Heritage).

I'll make a start this week so don't miss next week's instalment.

It's important to note that recognition gives it legal protection, including the land beneath it, but not necessarily to the buildings next to or within it.

Bold Old Moat House

The monument at the Old Moat House in Bold comprises a moat approximately 68m square, enclosing a house, garden and outbuildings, which are not listed. Moated sites are generally seen as the prestigious residences of the Lords of the manor or their immediate family. The Bold family was quite wealthy.

The moat in such circumstances marked the high status of the occupier but also served to deter casual raiders and wild animals. Being stocked with fish and encouraging fowl it also provided a valuable food source, a water supply in case of fire and an easy means for the disposal of waste and sewage.

Most moats were built between 1250 and 1350.

Bold Hall Moated site and bridge

The monument comprises a moated site, the island of which is now partially occupied by a 20th century farmhouse and garden but which was formerly occupied by the Old Bold Hall. Though the moat is dry and has been partially filled in the site retains an early 18th century bridge and flanking gate piers which are both individually listed Grade II.

The manor of Bold was known to be in existence in 1212 and Old Bold Hall is known to have been rebuilt at least three times with access by a drawbridge in the 16th century. The moat is 24 metres wide at one point and up to 1.5m deep. It is heavily overgrown with trees and shrubbery. The island measures 60m by 70m and has two access drives, one continuing across the island as a public footpath.

Old Bold Hall farmhouse, the bridge and gate piers, a timber shed, all hedges and the public footpath signpost are not included in the scheduling. The ground beneath all these features is included. The majority of moated sites were intended as a status symbol rather than a practical military defence. The moated site at Old Bold Hall was one of a group of five moated sites in the former township of Bold.