Investigations into the history of this former monastic site have now been in progress for a year. Research has so far concentrated on the historical background and written references, as well as fieldwork, photography, and surveying. The use of aerial photographs has proved invaluable in understanding the surrounding field systems, hedges, and trackways. An outer circuit of hedge and ditch, seen on an aerial photograph taken in 1966, would seem to represent an early boundary of the priory lands. Some of the hedges have now been removed as a result of farm operations. A large rectangular moat still surrounds the site and encloses an area of 5½ acres; in the center of this is a 16th Century house which incorporates a number of stone windows and two doorways. These are probably 15th Century materials, re-used from the priory remains after it was dissolved in 1538. A number of other pieces of stonework were recovered from the bed of the moat during the dry summer of 1989.
Moatenden, Priory Kitchen door and window. (15th Century re-used materials in 16th Century house)
Moatenden, formerly known as 'Mottenden' or 'Moddenden', was a Trinitarian house founded around 1224 by Sir Richard or Robert de Rokesly. It has recently been discovered that his wife was Joan Criol, whose mother was Eleanor de Crevecoeur, a member of the family associated with Leeds Castle for two centuries and who also founded Leeds Priory in the 12th Century. Around twenty years ago a lead seal was found at Moatenden; it has now been identified as being from a 'papal bull' of Pope Innocent IV (1243-1254).
Work is to continue here during 1990. The surrounding fields also contain the site of a post-mill which presumably was associated with the priory.
Moatenden Priory. Windows.
(15th Century re-used in 16th Century farmhouse)
N. R. Aldridge
