We have completed our dig in the garden and have found the layout of the paths and confirmed their alignment. The excavation shows that the paths were lined by specially deepened planting beds to improve the growing conditions from the existing shallow soil over limestone. We have also found evidence of ornamental garden features and a well with an adjacent stone cistern. These are all new aspects that will feed into the design of the restored gardens.

Half section, hand-excavation of the well.	Excavation of the well and associated stone cistern in progress.	Section of a bedding trench showing the brown clay in a planting bed.
Garden path leading across the garden from the main gate.	Excavation of the stone cistern in progress.	Fully excavated stone cistern. Note the rough sides, broken off when the garden was grassed over.
The cistern was carved from a single piece of stone. Note the clay surround to aid water retention within the porous stone ciste