Moated Site at Kellaways

Kellaways farmhouse is believed to be the former manorial residence within the hamlet of Kellaways. Much of the now grade II* listed house dates from the seventeenth century. However, during recent research, evidence came to light of a separate, probably earlier moated house of status. Specifically, ‘the capital messuage or farmhouse in Kellways otherwise Kellaways with the moate about the same’ which adjoined the lane that runs through the hamlet. This capital messuage was acquired in 1654 along with Kellaways Mill by the local miller from the Long family who held the manor. The precise location of this moated house remains unknown, although research is still ongoing. This second dwelling may have been the original manor house, and the current Kellaways farmhouse is its replacement built by the Long family after they acquired the Kellaways estate during the sixteenth century.

This is the second moated high-status dwelling found within the parish of Langley Burrell during present research and significant as documented moated sites are relatively unusual within Wiltshire. Both these examples will feature in the forthcoming Chippenham volume.

~ Louise Ryland Epton, 02 Dec 22