Santon House - a Moat Earthwork in Thetford Forest

Compared to the clayland districts of East Anglia, Breckland has very few moated sites - of which this is one. Only 32 are listed in the Brecks ESA. The village of Santon (Tun on sandy soil), is situated on the north bank of the Little Ouse on the Norfolk side. Santon is often referred to as a DMV (deserted medieval village). Today, it is the site of St Helens Forest Picnic Spot, in Thetford Forest Park.

The moat was the site of Santon House - probably originally the manorial house for the village. The moat was unlikely to flood, but probably acted as a status symbol. A Santon House Farm survived until the 19th century, but the farmhouse may not have stood on the site of the moated house.

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