Exploring Kent's Past

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Monument details

Summary

A large moated site situated on the fringe of the flood plain of the River Rother. Kilburn suggests that the ruins of a great structure at Abdale or Apdale, supposed to have been a castle, were probably storehouses for merchants when the sea reached further inland. Bradshaw considers a rectangular earthwork, probably a Medieval moat to be the site referred to by Kilburne. Apart from clear evidence of a tower-like structure in the south west corner, no trace of buildings survive above ground level. Excavations by the landowner, have revealed encaustic tiles, knives, pot sherds, a spur and some nails. The description of the tiles suggest a 15th century date and a building of some substance. It would seem that this was a medieval dwelling, whatever else it may have been. The site is similarly situated to Little Maytham (TQ 82 NE 2) and Bodiam Old Manor (TQ 72 NE 7), both moated sites of 12th - 13th century dates, higher up the Rother valley.

Monument Types

• FORTIFIED MANOR HOUSE (Medieval - 1400 AD? to 1499 AD?)
• MOAT (Medieval - 1400 AD? to 1499 AD?)

Associated Finds

• KNIFE (Medieval - 1400 AD to 1499 AD)
• NAIL (Medieval - 1400 AD to 1499 AD)
• SHERD (Medieval - 1400 AD to 1499 AD)
• SPUR (Medieval - 1400 AD to 1499 AD)
• TILE (Medieval - 1400 AD to 1499 AD)

Full description

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"Near the side of the Marsh here (Stone-in-Oxney) at a place called Abdale or Apdale, are the ruins of a great structure, supposed to have been a castle; but, were probably, storehouses for merchants whenthe sea (as it anciently did) flowed there". (1) Bradshaw considers a rectangular earthwork, probably a Md moat at TQ 924 266, to be the site referred to by Kilburne. (2) A large moated site situated on the fringe of the flood plain of the River Rother centred at TQ 9240 2660. Apart from clear evidence of a tower-like structure in the SW corner, no trace of buildings survive above ground level, but the owner, Mr Roger Cooke, put down a few trenches, when the site was ploughed a few years ago, revealing encaustic tiles, knives, pot sherds, a spur and some nails. A fragmentof moulded window and much worked ragstone about the farm (Prawls Farm) are thought to have originated from the moat. The site is an unusual one and Kilburne's suggestion seems quite feasible. The description of the tiles and window fragment (none of which were available) suggest a C15th date and a building of some substance. Surveyed at 1/2500. (3) According to Ireland (a) 'Apdale is a small manor...the stone mansion has long been in ruins, and the site, which is still remaining, appears large. The demesnes are now added to a farm called Prawls....The only mention of the manor is in the will of Mr Thomas Stace, who resided and died here in 1512....' It would seem that this was a medieval dwelling, whatever else it may have been. The site is similarly situated to Little Maytham (TQ 82 NE 2) and Bodiam Old Manor (TQ 72 NE 7), both moated sites of C12-C13 dates, higher up theRother valley. (4) TQ 925 267 Great Prawls, Stone is listed in the county checklist ofmoated sites in Kent, December 1977 and December 1979. (5,6) (TQ 9242 2660) Moat [NR] (7)

<1> A Topography or Survey of the County of Kent 1659 (Kilburne) (OS Card Reference). SKE32918.

<2> Oral J Bradshaw 8 Forest Cottages Challock Kent (Ashford Arch Soc) (OS Card Reference). SKE47932.

<3> F1 ASP 06-APR-70 (OS Card Reference). SKE41957.

<4> A New and Complete History of the County of Kent 1828-30 (W H Ireland) (OS Card Reference). SKE32828.

<5> Arch Cant 84 1969 240-1 (M C Lebon) (OS Card Reference). SKE35786.

<6> Arch Cant 97 1977 222 (T Tatton-Brown) (OS Card Reference). SKE36273.

<7> The Moated Sites Res Gp 6 1979 48 (OS Card Reference). SKE50432.

<8> OS 1:10000 1980 (OS Card Reference). SKE48166.

<9> Field report for monument TQ 92 NW 7 - April, 1970 (Bibliographic reference). SKE4706.

Sources and further reading