The class of defensive works known as homestead moats--that is to say, simple enclosures formed into islands by means of moats containing water--do not, perhaps, strictly speaking, come under the title of either architectural or military structures. Still this seems the most convenient place in which to mention them. The northern and eastern districts of Hertfordshire are remarkable for the enormous number of these homestead moats; these districts being equalled in this respect only by Essex and Suffolk. On the western side of the county they are comparatively uncommon. “These enclosures,” observes a writer in the _Victoria History_ of the county, “vary greatly in size, shape, and position, and it is obvious that they do not all belong to one period, for in all ages to surround a piece of land with a ditch has been one of the most elementary forms of defence. There are, however, as with the larger earthworks, certain typical forms.... It should be noted that the typical feature of a homestead moat is that the earth, dug to form the deep surrounding ditch, was thrown on to the inclosure and spread, thus raising the island slightly above the surrounding level. The construction of moats, except for ornamental purposes, having ceased when the state of the country no longer necessitated such protective measures against men or wild beasts, they often fell into decay, or were partially filled up, and their vestiges converted into ponds, while many may have been obliterated as interfering with agriculture, but there still remain a large number.” To reproduce the list of these would occupy far too much space; and it must suffice to mention that examples of homestead moats may be seen in the parishes of Ashwell, Braughing, Pirton, and Sawbridgeworth. A step in advance of the homestead moat was formed by earthworks made on the same plan as the latter, but provided with a rampart and a “fosse,” or ditch, and in some cases also with outer defences. Of this type of earthwork three examples are definitely known to occur in the county, namely one at Bygrave, a second at Whomerley Wood to the south-east of Stevenage, and a third at Well Wood, Watton.