Apechilde

Has been described as a Possible Fortified Manor House

There are earthwork remains

NameApechilde
Alternative NamesAbchilde; parc de Abchildeswode; Absol Park; Absolpark; Udecheshale; Chignal Smealy
Historic CountryEssex
Modern AuthorityEssex
1974 AuthorityEssex
Civil ParishGreat Waltham

Humphrey de Bohun, earl of Hereford and Essex obtained a licence to crenellate his manor in the park of Apechilde on 1st December 1347. On 22nd of December the same year he was granted a licence to crenellate 10 named manors including Apechilde (the others being Writele, Brymshoo, Depeden, Walden, Enefeld, Wrockeseye, Uphavene, Sende and Whitenhurst). This site is probably that of the well defined largish square moat to the east of the C17 house now called Absol Park.

A medieval moated site located immediately east of Absolpark Farm. The moated island measures a maximum of 40 metres by 42 metres. The waterfilled moat measures up to 18 metres wide and at least 4 metres deep. Its outer face has been revetted. An extension to the north-east corner of the moat may have been used as a watering place for cattle. The moat is marked on the 1816 map of Great Waltham parish and the 1846 plan of Absolpark. Absolpark Farm, a 17th century building, stands to the south west of the moat and is Listed Grade II. It is believed to have replaced an earlier house on the moated island. Scheduled (not house or moat). (PastScape ref. scheduling notice)

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 ReferenceTL664194
Latitude51.8484687805176
Longitude0.415149986743927
Eastings566440
Northings219400
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.

Calculate Print

Books

  • RCHME, 1921, An inventory of the historical monuments in Essex Vol. 2 (central and south-west) p. 107 no. 7 online transcription
  • Turner, T.H. and Parker, J.H., 1859, Some account of Domestic Architecture in England (Oxford) Vol. 3 Part 2 p. 415 online copy

Primary Sources

  • Maxwell Lyte, H.C. (ed), 1903, Calendar of Patent Rolls Edward III (1345-48) Vol. 7 p. 440, 450 online copy

Other

  • English Heritage, 2001, Scheduling record : Moated site immediately east of Absolpark