An apparent moat in the grounds of what was Epperstone Manor, but is now the Notts Constabulary HQ, was found when ground S of the house was to be levelled for a playing field. The author excavated the site for the MOW in August 1954. The moat was a rectangular ditch, 25-35ft broad, enclosing an island 130ft x 60ft. From the SE corner of the ditch 2 ditches were visible, one forming an apparent field boundary and the other leading to a larger moated enclosure on the E. This was 310ft x 70ft with an island, 15-20ft wide and a ditch 20-30ft wide. The only finds were a fragment of willow pattern plate, c 1830-50 (and others - see below). The date of the complex is therefore not clear. The moats had C18/C19 drains leading into them and their positions clearly indicated that they were a catchment for the hill drainage. The relative insignificance of the islands, too small for normal buildings, suggests that they were moated ponds and that their primary purpose was for watering stock. A map of Epperstone, dated 1743, in Nottm City Archives, shows the moats in Horse Close and the names of the surrounding fields indicate their use as pastures, supporting the pond suggestion. A secondary use for the complex would have been for wildfowl or fish ponds. (1)
The moated enclosure seems to have been P Med and may have been agricultural. (2).
Site of excavation indicated on the ground by the Head Gardener Notts Constab HQ who was present throughout. The site indicated by (1) (SK 6495 4820) falls in rough pasture without the playing field. (3)
See L 1870 for earlier house. For finds see L 8261 for Ro, L 8262 for Med, L 8263 for undated.

<1> Lincs Archit and Arch Soc, 1956, Reports and Papers, pt 2, pp 72-82 (Serial). SNT16.

<2> Thoroton Society, 1954, TTS, p 15 (Published document). SNT368.

<3> Colquhoun FD, 1960, Pers Comm (Personal comment). SNT575.