Ep 9. The Mystery of the Manor Moat

In this episode of Time Team, the team travels to a manor house in the English countryside to uncover the mystery of its moat. The manor house dates back to the 14th century and has a moat surrounding it, but its purpose is unclear.

The team begins their investigation by surveying the site from above with a drone, which helps identify potential areas of interest. They also discover that the manor house has been renovated and altered many times over the centuries, making it difficult to determine what the original purpose of the moat may have been.

To further understand the history of the manor, the team visits the local archives to review historical documents and maps. They discover that the manor was owned by the Catholic Church during the time of the English Reformation and may have been used as a hiding place for Catholic priests.

Back at the manor, the team starts excavating in various areas, including the moat itself, which is drained to allow for a closer examination. They also dig in a nearby field, hoping to find evidence of any activity that may have been related to the manor.

As they uncover more and more artifacts, the team gains a better understanding of the manor's history. They find evidence of a possible Roman road, suggesting that the area may have been important even before the manor was built. They also discover remnants of a garden and a possible fire pit.

One of the most exciting finds comes when the team discovers a medieval arrowhead, which indicates that the moat may have been used for defensive purposes. However, further investigation reveals that the arrowhead may have actually been from a hunting-related activity.

Despite some dead ends and conflicting evidence, the team is able to piece together a rough history of the manor and its moat. Despite the many renovations and alterations, the original purpose of the moat may have been for defensive purposes, possibly to protect against Catholic priests seeking refuge during the English Reformation.

In the end, the team concludes their investigation with a newfound appreciation for the manor's history and the mysteries that it still holds. The episode serves as a reminder of the importance of uncovering the past and the excitement that it can bring to those who dedicate themselves to exploring it.