A fantastic opportunity to hear about the rich and diverse archaeological sites cared for by the National Trust and the varied work of the National Trust’s Archaeologists.

The event will feature three presentations followed by an opportunity for the audience to ask any questions about the projects or archaeology at the National Trust.

The Presentations will be:

From Priory to Pleasure Ground – James Brown, Archaeologist

Over the last few years, a programme of National Lottery Heritage Funded archaeological work at Ankerwycke near Wraysbury, as part of a larger Runnymede Explored project, has shed light on a small area of Thames riverbank. What today feels like a rather untouched tranquil site (ignoring the Heathrow flightpath) has fascinating stories to still reveal from its Georgian, Tudor and Medieval past. James Brown will talk through some of the key findings of the archaeological work that has been nominated for Current Archaeology – Rescue Project of the Year and show how it has been used to create new interpretation for neighbours and visitors. Magna Carta might get a fleeting mention, but only as a scene setter.

The forgotten ‘Regency pleasure garden’ at Attingham Park – Viviana Caroli, Archaeologist

Over the past five years a series of archaeological excavations has brought back to life a virtually undocumented ‘pleasure garden’ of c.1814 at Attingham Park, one of Shropshire’s finest country estate, telling a story of love and neglect, and revival and rediscovery. Since its offset in 2018, the project has been designed as one where archaeological gains were matched by public benefit involving volunteers, local groups and the wider public in discovering a lost aspect of Attingham history. During the last five years a number of buildings and garden features have been unearthed including a late Georgian summerhouse, a decorative pool and a large contemporary hothouse preserving evidence of a fireplace and a set of stoves to heat the building.

Search for Stourton Castle – Martin Papworth, Archaeologist

A key mystery of the National Trust’s Stourhead Estate in Wiltshire was the location of the predecessor of Stourhead House, known as Stourton Castle or Old Stourton House. Only a single drawing survives, and this shows this great medieval residence thought to have been the size of Lacock Abbey.  In July 2023, following clues from historic maps and geophysical survey, National Trust archaeologist Martin Papworth with a team of volunteers, excavated a group of trenches in the parkland in front of Stourhead House. Would Stourton Castle be revealed in the 10 days available? Despite all the earlier research; success was not guaranteed.