Scheduled Ancient Monument: MOATED SITE AT LETHERINGHAM LODGE (21301)

The monument includes the moated site of Letheringham Lodge, prominently located on a spur between the River Deben to the north and Potsford Brook which lies 450m to the south. The water-filled moat is rectangular and measures between 7m and 9m in width and approximately 3m in depth, with overall dimensions of 40m east/west by 35m north/south. Its south-eastern corner is extended by a pond approximately 1m deep which is a modern feature and is not included in the scheduling. A brick revetment is visible on the inner edge at the south-western corner and mortared flints and brick have also been observed in the moat at the south-eastern corner. Access to the interior is provided by modern timber footbridges across the western and southern arms, the southern bridge being supported on brickwork which is included in the scheduling. Letheringham Lodge, which is dated to the later 15th or early 16th century, with an early 17th century extension, occupies almost the whole of the northern part of the interior, amounting to more than 50 per cent of the total area of the island. The earlier part of the structure is square and centrally positioned. The Lodge was formerly part of the Letheringham Hall estate and carved panelling of early 16th-century date, taken from it in the early 20th century and now in Broddick Castle, Isle of Arran, includes heraldic motifs which link it with Sir Anthony Wingfield of Letheringham Hall. The initials E W, carved with the date 1610 above the entrance to the later wing, are thought to refer to Elizabeth Wingfield, widow of Sir Thomas Wingfield (died 1609). It has been identified as a place of resort for the enjoyment of the scenery and healthy air, away from the damp, riverside situation of Letheringham Hall. The house, which is Listed Grade II*, is excluded from the scheduling, as are all associated outbuildings and walls, other than the revetment as described above, all fences, the modern timber footbridges, modern piling and sandbags retaining the outer edge of the moat, all paths and driveways and all service pipes and inspection chambers, but the ground beneath all these features is included.