The following is listed under "homestead moats" - "Gamston, S of E Retford, on the River Idle; area enclosed is c 4 acres". (1)
(1) is almost certainly referring to the slopes shown centred at above grid ref and part enclosing an area of 4.310 acres. These are very steep, overgrown, and form a cutting for the road leading to and running alongside the River Idle. No evidence was seen to suggest their ever having formed a moat. (Another partial enclosure of some 11 acres, 450m to the N, is river dyking, see L6759.) (2) Sloping banks to east of R. Idle and Rectory Lane. Similar banks to north and south. Gap in bank for entrance to Gamston Manor. (3)
The sloping banks along Rectory Lane are best interpreted as a pair of holloways running down to the river north and south of the manor house. The suggestion that the earthworks here formed part of a moat are clearly an erroneous flight of fancy in the ‘Oswaldian’ tradition. You will be telling me that there was a Roman fort at Margidunum next! (4)

<1> VCH, 1906, Notts, pp 308,311 (Published document). SNT1383.

<2> Harper FR, 1961, Pers Comm (Personal comment). SNT747.

<3> OS, 1920, 1:2500, County Series 1920 (Map). SNT1029.

Other Refs: 14/12

<4> Robinson, C., 2004, Pers Comm (Personal comment). SNT1738.