Festival of Archaeology and a lost gatehouse at Greys Court
Searching for a lost gatehouse…”We are aiming to give visitors close access to this archaeological research as it unfolds on site”.
This summer, Greys Court is taking part in the Festival of Archaeology, the biggest archaeological celebration in the UK, organised by the Council for British Archaeology (CBA).
They will be looking to investigate Greys Court’s lost gatehouse which they believe this would have provided access to the outer courtyard of the Tudor house. They will also be taking a look at the curtain wall which would have formed the boundary of the courtyard and hope to learn more about what they were made of, if they were decorated, and even how high they were. Did they have any defensive use or purpose or were they just for show, or perhaps even a domestic use
The archaeologists will be examining the evidence of a series of ‘parch-marks’ which are revealed on Greys Court’s oval lawn in particularly dry weather. These hint at a courtyard wall with a possible gatehouse structure. There were also other buildings on the site, now demolished. The team will also be guided by a geophysics survey across the lawn.
National Trust archaeologist Adrian Cox said “We are hoping to add to our knowledge of the fascinating early history of Greys Court. We have a range of information already, including aerial photographs and the evidence of an 18th-century engraving depicting the site and showing its courtyard walls. We want to better understand the medieval and post-medieval layouts of the manor, so that we can give visitors a more accurate picture of how it looked in the past. We are aiming to give visitors close access to this archaeological research as it unfolds on site.”
Shannon Hogan, National Archaeologist with the National Trust said “We’re delighted to be working with Council for British Archaeology on the Festival of Archaeology at the places we care for. Archaeological experiences and activities offer opportunities for more people to find ways to connect with and learn about their local history and heritage. The Festival of Archaeology helps us deliver more for communities by uniting children and adults alike in a range of heritage activities and events.”
Archaeologists will be working at Greys Court from 15th-21st July, and will be very happy to speak with visitors and explain the work and there may be opportunities to get involved.
To find more National Trust Festival of Archaeology events, visit Festival of Archaeology 2024
About Greys Court
Greys Court is charming and romantic National Trust property between Henley and Rotherfield Greys. The walled garden is a delight, with bright bulbs and orchards of apple and cherry blossom in spring, roses in summer and kitchen garden produce along with dahlias in autumn. There’s a medieval tower, Tudor exhibition space and an enormous Tudor donkey wheel that was once used to draw water from the 200ft well. Volunteers continue many of the traditions beloved by former owner and Women’s Institute chairman Lady Brunner, such as flower arranging, baking, jam-making and knitting.
