GLOUCESTERSHIRE, ENGLAND—BBC News reports that an excavation in western England at the site of Cowfield Farm has uncovered a medieval moat and bridge. Traces of wood from the bridge have been dated to the mid-fifteenth century through dendrochronology. The structure is thought to have been built by prosperous free farmers who were tenants of Tewkesbury Abbey, which is located about two miles from the site. “A moat was partly for security, as there was no police force; so there was a practical aspect,” said Jon Hart of Cotswold Archaeology. “This one was definitely filled with water, with the Christian symbolism of purity and the lady of the house, whose fidelity had to be protected, surrounded by a symbolic virtuous belt of water,” he added. The researchers also uncovered a pilgrim badge showing the archangel Michael defeating a dragon; a copper-alloy clasp from a leather-bound book that likely belonged to a monk; a bucket-shaped pottery vessel; and a leather shoe. To read about archaeological investigations of medieval castle fortifications in Scotland, go to “Storming the Castle.”
