moated

Moated is an adjective describing a site, building, or landscape that is surrounded by a moat—a defensive ditch that encircles a structure and is often filled with water. The term is most commonly used for medieval castles and manor houses, but it can apply to any fortified or water-protected site.

Moats served defense and control of access. A water barrier hindered infantry, made tunneling more difficult, and supported features such as drawbridges and gatehouses. Beyond defense, moats could function as status symbols and aided in drainage, fish farming, and landscape management.

Moats come in two main forms: wet (permanent water-filled) and dry (substantial earthworks with no standing water). They are typically formed by excavating a ditch around the building, sometimes fed by a stream or connected to nearby watercourses, and may be integrated with other water-control structures. Many moats survive as historic features, while others have been filled in or repurposed.

In the study of archaeology and heritage, the term "moated site" is used to describe a landscape or settlement enclosed by a moat, especially in the British Isles. Today moated structures are often preserved as museums, parks, or protected monuments, reflecting their historical importance and the shift from defensive utility to cultural value.