A wave of fury has swept through the picturesque market town of Faringdon, Oxfordshire, after the historic moat surrounding a 12th-century castle was unceremoniously filled in. The decision, which has effectively erased a defining feature of the local landscape for nearly a millennium, has left historians and residents deeply dismayed.
Locals first noticed the drastic change to the ancient earthwork, a protected scheduled monument, earlier this week. Where water once reflected the sky, now lies bare soil. The move has been branded an act of 'cultural vandalism' by those who cherished the site for its historical significance and natural beauty.
A Landscape Erased
The filled-in moat encircles Faringdon's castle, a site with roots stretching back to the 1140s and its original builder, Robert, Earl of Gloucester. For centuries, this water-filled ditch was not just a relic but a living part of the town's character. Its sudden disappearance has created a stark and unsettling void in the familiar scenery.
One dismayed local resident was quoted saying, "It's such a shame. It was a lovely feature and had been there for years. It's just a big pile of mud now." The sentiment echoes throughout the community, where the moat was a valued piece of shared heritage.
Questions Over Protection and Permission
The situation is shrouded in confusion regarding legal oversight. Historic England, the public body responsible for protecting the country's historic environment, has confirmed the moat is a scheduled monument. This designation is meant to offer the highest level of protection, making any unauthorised work a criminal offence.
Despite this, the organisation has stated it did not grant permission for the moating filling operation. Both Historic England and the local Vale of White Horse District Council have confirmed they are now investigating the incident to determine how this could have happened and who is responsible.
A spokesperson for Historic England said, "We are aware of the situation and are making inquiries into this matter."
What Happens Next?
The future of the site now hangs in the balance. The central question remains whether the landowner or contractor involved had obtained the necessary scheduled monument consent from the government, via the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
If the work is found to have been carried out illegally, it could result in serious consequences. The local authority has the power to pursue enforcement action, which could legally compel those responsible to restore the moat to its original condition—a complex and costly undertaking.
For now, the community is left mourning the loss of a timeless landmark, awaiting answers and hoping for justice for a piece of history that can never truly be replaced.
