Wrest Park, Bedfordshire: Analytical earthwork survey in the southwest quarter and evaluation trenches in the Mithraic Glade, Duke’s Square, and Lady Duchess Square, November 2019
Author(s): Thomas Cromwell, Magnus Alexander
Three areas in the lower gardens received analytical earthwork surveys to examine the developments around the western Yew Quarter, the bridge across the serpentine canal in the extreme southwest corner, and the Mithraic Glade. The Yew Quarter is a palimpsest, and restoration to a given period may be difficult due to some restoration/replanting in the immediate vicinity that could lead to further misalignments with the original layout. The Mithraic Glade is dominated by a ridge running down its axis, and the mound at the southern end where the Root House was presumed to be. Around it to the north, west, and south are a number of phases of features relating to the rides and designs seen in early sketches and plans, but these are overlain and not entirely clear. Nine trenches were excavated in three clearings in the gardens at Wrest Park to clarify the results of geophysical survey. These identified a structure on the site of the lost Root House from the 1740s, as well as foundations for garden statuary and lost sand footpaths. Land drains were also identified, representing multiple phases of water management on a notoriously wet site with clay soils. The information will help guide decisions about restoring features within the landscape.
- Report Number:
- 214/2020
- Series:
- Research Department Reports
- Pages:
- 125
- Keywords:
- Excavation Gardens, Parks and Urban Spaces Survey Landscape
