Lydiard Park, just south west of Swindon, is owned by Swindon Borough Council. With the help of the Heritage Lottery Fund and the support of RWE Innogy, the park is being restored to some of its eighteenth century glory. During summer 2004 Wessex Archaeology undertook the essential investigation work needed to ensure that the restoration is authentic.

But this has been no ordinary excavation! A key part of the project has been the involvement of the local community and over 200 local residents have taken part in the digging of the eighteenth century features in the park.

The archaeology has been of great interest for many of the visitors, walkers and families who regularly visit this lovely park, and the archaeology events which have taken place this summer have been very well attended. There is an exhibition of finds from the excavations in the park’s Visitors’ Centre from July to October.

The excavations were primarily concerned with features of the park known to have been present in the eighteenth century, like the walled garden and the dam wall, but other areas have also been investigated. Find out more about the archaeology by clicking the menu.

download the pdf below to view the online exhibition or visit the following links:

Official Lydiard Park website

Lydiard House and Park visitor information