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The secrets of Hanwell Castle gardens revealed this weekend
24/09/2021
After an 8-year programme of archaeological excavation learn about the amazing past of the castle grounds this weekend
The secrets of a unique seventeenth century water garden and science “theme park” will be revealed for the first time at Hanwell Castle this weekend. Stars and Archaeology offers the public the chance to learn more about the grounds after an 8-year programme of archaeological excavation.
The gardens of Hanwell Castle were constructed and developed through the sixteenth and seventeenth century and were built on a grand scale with large lakes, terraced walkways, cascades and water parterres.
Records from the period after the English Civil War from the 1650s and 1660s describe a structure known as “The House of Diversion”. Digging has found a fountain designed to amaze and trick visitors. The structure also doubled as a banqueting house and smoking den where Sir Anthony Cope could entertain his cronies, many of whom were key figures in the emerging world of scientific study in Oxford.
Visitors will be able to see this octagonal structure, set in a moated water garden, together with some of the terracotta garden urns which adorned its walls.
A pop-up museum will tell the story of the site through the many fine objects found discarded by the revellers in the moat, including a large collection of 17th century wine bottles!
The whole site will be brought to life by living history displays with the help of members of the Sealed Knot. Visitors will meet a fascinating range of characters of the period showing a range of crafts: including bookbinding, basket making, poll lathe wood turning, fine joinery and blacksmithing.
The Lead Archaeologist on the project is Stephen Wass of Polyolbion Archaeology.
The grounds are open from midday tomorrow (Saturday) and again on Sunday.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam