The ornamental garden was completely unknown until excavators recently exposed its 300 meter foundations. (SWNS)
One of the best preserved gardens ever discovered in the UK was discovered by archaeologists working on the HS2 railway line.
Historians have been puzzled by the ancient discovery near Coleshill on the outskirts of Birmingham that has been dubbed “Warwickshire’s answer to Hampton Court”.
The ornamental garden is not on any historical record and was completely unknown until excavators recently uncovered the 656 foot foundations.
The remains of Coleshill Manor and an octagonal moat were first picked up two years ago by archaeological teams working on the high-speed railroad.
The outline of a huge 17th century garden. (SWNS)
In the course of the excavation, the outline of a huge garden from the 17th century was discovered next to the impressive manor house.
Breathtaking aerial photos show well-preserved gravel paths, planting beds, foundations of the garden pavilion and ornaments arranged in a geometric pattern.
Structures such as pavilions and artifacts such as pipes, coins, and musket balls have also been uncovered on the site.
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It is believed that Sir Robert Digby, who owned the house, married an Irish heiress and built his gardens in a modern style to show off his new wealth and status.
The 500 year old site has parallels to London’s Hampton Court Palace and has been described as “one of the most exciting Elizabethan gardens” ever found in England.
Dr. Paul Stamper, a specialist in English gardens and landscape history at the University of Leicester, said: “This is one of the most exciting Elizabethan gardens ever discovered in this country.
“The level of conservation at this location is truly exceptional and adds significantly to our knowledge of English gardens around 1600.
“Only three or four surveys of gardens of this size have been carried out in the last 30 years, including Hampton Court, Kirby in Northamptonshire and Kenilworth Castle. This survey was completely unknown.”
An archaeologist demonstrates post-medieval pottery from Coleshill Manor. (SWNS)
HS2’s historic environmental manager Jon Millward said the site was “incredibly exciting” to discover, while Wessex Archeology project leader Stuart Pierson added, “The conservation of the gardens is unparalleled.”
The story goes on
Coleshill Hall, in the historic market town of Coleshill in southeast Birmingham, came into the hands of Simon Digby in the late 15th century.
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The change of ownership sparked major changes in the landscape around Coleshill and the hall, including the creation of a deer park and formal gardens in the 17th century.
Excavations have revealed structures from the late Middle Ages, with evidence of a large gatehouse suggesting a possible 14th or 15th century date.
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