The National Trust has recently been awarded an HLF grant to
support the “Rainham at the Centre of the World” project which will restore
Rainham Hall and Stable block. As part of the kick-off for the project we will be
conducting three days of archaeological investigations in the east garden (the
formal lawn area immediately behind the house) of Rainham Hall in August. The
purpose of these three days is to:
- Record any buried evidence which may be impacted or
lost when the builder’s compound is installed in the east garden area in
the autumn.
- Answer and resolve certain questions relating to the
design and evolution of this particular section of garden.
- Investigate evidence as to whether or not there was an earlier settlement/occupation on the site prior to John Harle’s building activity of the 1720s.
The
archaeology project will commence with an electrical resistance survey
(geophysics) to be undertaken on Friday 16 August. Based partly on the results
of this one-day survey a maximum of 5 trial trenches will then be opened up on
Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 August. The house will be open on the Saturday for guided
tours and we are also proposing to have the gardens open both Saturday and Sunday.
The excavations will be publicised and local people encouraged to come along
and see what is happening.
The
works will be led by a National Trust archaeologist, Gary
Marshall, who has been involved with the broader Rainham project. Gary
This
should be an exciting weekend and presents a great opportunity to get some
hands-on archaeological experience and (hopefully!) help to find out more about
the evolution of Rainham Hall and its gardens.
No
archaeological experience is necessary although if you do have any and would
like to be involved then that experience would be very helpful. Places are
limited and preference will be given to people who are able to commit time on
both Saturday and Sunday. There will be a waiting list for anyone who would
like to be involved on one of those days but cannot do both.
We
are asking people to bring along their own lunch although tea/coffee and other
light refreshments will be provided. We also ask that anyone participating
makes sure they wear appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear for this outdoor
activity.
It
should be possible for children to participate but they will need to be
accompanied by an adult at all times and it will be the responsibility of their
accompanying adult to ensure their safety.
Finally
it should be said that if you would like to participate in the excavations you
will need to be reasonably fit and active. That said, the washing and
processing of finds and interpretation of the excavation to any visitors are
both gentler forms of activity so if you are not sure if you are up to digging
but would still like to be involved on then that is an option.
If
you would like to be involved then let me know as soon as possible. Do feel
free to pass this onto anyone else who you think may be interested.
With
best wishes,
Emily
Emily Gill espie
Rainham Hall Programme Coordinator
Stable Yard
Morden
SM4 5JD
Tel: 0208 545 6850
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