Wyfordby manor

Has been described as a Possible Fortified Manor House

There are earthwork remains

NameWyfordby manor
Alternative Names
Historic CountryLeicestershire
Modern AuthorityLeicestershire
1974 AuthorityLeicestershire
Civil ParishFreeby

VCH records this site as a 'moated inclosure with stronger defensive works.'

A square plateau, 68ft. square, with a scarp of 7ft., is surrounded by a dry moat 20ft. wide, with low banks, which at the north-west corner continue 150 ft. towards the west. Parallel to the west side is a fishpond. (VCH)

The moat comprises a rectangular island raised by 2m above the surrounding ground surface measuring 20 x 30m with some construction stone showing on the south bank. Evidence of outer banks on the eastern and southern sides and an outer bank of up to 2.5m on the western side; later disturbance has modified evidence of a north bank which may have contained an entrance. To the north-west the bank turns to form a fishpond, measuring 30 x 8m with banks up to 1.5m high. The site is believed to have been the residence of the Chevercourt family who abandoned it about 1400. (PastScape–scheduling report)

Gatehouse Comments

Fairly small moated site next to church. In reality not much different from other homestead moats in Leicestershire; the 'stronger defensive work' being a misinterpreted fishpond. However, was a manorial centre so does possibly count as a fortified manor house.

- Philip Davis

This site is a scheduled monument protected by law

Not Listed

Historic England (PastScape) Defra or Monument number(s)
County Historic Environment Record
OS Map Grid ReferenceSK793188
Latitude52.7616806030273
Longitude-0.826150000095367
Eastings479300
Northings318850
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink

No photos available. If you can provide pictures please contact Castlefacts

Most of the sites or buildings recorded in this web site are NOT open to the public and permission to visit a site must always be sought from the landowner or tenant.

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Books

  • Hartley, R.F., 1987, The Medieval Earthworks of North-East Leicestershire p. 16, 48
  • Wall, C., 1907, 'Ancient Earthworks' in Page, Wm, (ed), VCH Leicestershire Vol. 1 p. 270 online copy

Journals

  • 1956, 'List of scheduled monuments in Leicestershire and Rutland' Transactions of the Leicestershire Archaeological and Historical Society Vol. 32 p. 83 online copy