As the result of the grant of scheduled monument consent on the restoration works on the bridge across the moat at Headstone Manor, Harrow, the Heritage Network was commissioned by the London Borough of Harrow to monitor the restoration works. The moat, which separates the manor house from its farm buildings, is believed to be contemporary with the manor house, and is crossed by a brick bridge, which had previously been recorded as being 18th century in date. The bridge, which measures 10.70m long and 3.20m wide, consists of two brick piers, of uneven width, supporting three arches and the bridge deck. A timber balustrade ran either side of the deck. Examination of the fabric of the bridge has revealed that the piers date to the mid 17th century and once supported a timber superstructure and decking. This was apparently replaced by brick arches in the late 19th century. No evidence for the bridge which must have existed before the mid 17th century was encountered. It is possible that this was on the same site as the present structure. A clay lining for the moat, which forms a U-shape under the central arch, was probably laid as part of the construction works for the piers and this may mask evidence of the earlier bridge. The lining was not breached during the present project.
Helen Ashworth (Fri,) studied this question.