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 - 1066 AD? to 1539 AD?)
• MOAT (Medieval - 1066 AD? to 1539 AD?)

Full description

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Sources and further reading