Beningbrough Hall, North Yorkshire: An Archaeological Survey and Investigation of the Post-Medieval Park and Gardens
Author(s): Abby Hunt
Between March and May 2006, English Heritage’s Archaeological Survey and Investigation Team undertook an analytical field survey of a strip of former parkland to the south of Beningbrough Hall, North Yorkshire. The National Trust commissioned the survey in response to surface damage being caused by agricultural vehicles. The earthwork remains to the immediate south of Beningbrough Hall demonstrate the use of the land for agriculture, settlement and as part of a larger designed landscape. There was no obvious evidence for any pre-medieval activity, but fragmentary remains of ridge and furrow indicate that parts of this parkland were ploughed in the medieval period. The present Beningbrough Hall dates from 1716 and documentary evidence demonstrates that it had at least one predecessor, whose location is discussed. A c1720 sketch of the formal garden associated with the 1716 house still survives. Various slight earthworks relate to this and later garden schemes. A sinuous ha-ha established in the late 19th century, itself a modification of an earlier ha-ha, separates the present formal garden from former parkland beyond.
- Report Number:
- 79/2006
- Series:
- Research Department Reports
- Pages:
- 20
- Keywords:
- Post Medieval Survey
