2014:
Archaeological Investigation Eastcote House Gardens June/July 2014
A trial dig was held in 2012 [see events page] to ascertain whether there were any archaeological remains worth investigating. From the results of the Geophysical survey and the trail dig which were very encouraging, the Heritage Lottery Fund and London Borough of Hillingdon decided to support community investigations 2014 -2017 inclusive.
Results of Year 1 June/July 2014:
The main trench was on the site of Eastcote House, with smaller trenches exploring the Haha and the site of the former Coach House.
Members of the community between the ages of 7 to 70+ took part in this exciting project. Members of FEHG formed the nucleus of the 'diggers' and finds washing. But over 500 young people also attended the dig. AOC Archaeology were assisted by the Friends of Eastcote House Gardens, AOC overseeing the ‘digging’ and FEHG giving an archaeological tour of the Listed buildings and structures. Pupils from eight different schools, three uniformed groups and the Challenge Network took part.
Sunday July 13th was Open Day. The Mayor of Hillingdon, Cllr. Catherine Dann, visited and took one of the guided tours given by Les Capon of AOC. Jane Brown, a Hawtrey descendant, joined the day to see the remains of the family home.
There were hundreds of finds from the site of Eastcote House, including rusty nails, the tip of a flint knife and other knapped flint used as tools. Remnants of Eastcote House front porch, one column, the floor and some decorative stone work, and Tudor cellars were revealed. The most exciting find was some flint foundations that predate the Tudor period and could possibly be the foundations of Hopkyttes, the cottage known to have stood here in the 1400s. These foundations will be fully explored in 2015.
The Coach House trench revealed a Forge believed to date from the late 17th century. There is a central brick area with some burnt bricks at the rear, possibly the site of the furnace, and at the opposite side a pit full of clinker, where the anvil could have been installed. This area will be the site of the new building housing the Tea Rooms; the brick structure is too fragile to move, so will be lost.
A member of the archaeology team will be giving a talk on the 2014 dig. Details will be posted on the Dairy Dates page.
A trial dig was held in 2012 [see events page] to ascertain whether there were any archaeological remains worth investigating. From the results of the Geophysical survey and the trail dig which were very encouraging, the Heritage Lottery Fund and London Borough of Hillingdon decided to support community investigations 2014 -2017 inclusive.
Results of Year 1 June/July 2014:
The main trench was on the site of Eastcote House, with smaller trenches exploring the Haha and the site of the former Coach House.
Members of the community between the ages of 7 to 70+ took part in this exciting project. Members of FEHG formed the nucleus of the 'diggers' and finds washing. But over 500 young people also attended the dig. AOC Archaeology were assisted by the Friends of Eastcote House Gardens, AOC overseeing the ‘digging’ and FEHG giving an archaeological tour of the Listed buildings and structures. Pupils from eight different schools, three uniformed groups and the Challenge Network took part.
Sunday July 13th was Open Day. The Mayor of Hillingdon, Cllr. Catherine Dann, visited and took one of the guided tours given by Les Capon of AOC. Jane Brown, a Hawtrey descendant, joined the day to see the remains of the family home.
There were hundreds of finds from the site of Eastcote House, including rusty nails, the tip of a flint knife and other knapped flint used as tools. Remnants of Eastcote House front porch, one column, the floor and some decorative stone work, and Tudor cellars were revealed. The most exciting find was some flint foundations that predate the Tudor period and could possibly be the foundations of Hopkyttes, the cottage known to have stood here in the 1400s. These foundations will be fully explored in 2015.
The Coach House trench revealed a Forge believed to date from the late 17th century. There is a central brick area with some burnt bricks at the rear, possibly the site of the furnace, and at the opposite side a pit full of clinker, where the anvil could have been installed. This area will be the site of the new building housing the Tea Rooms; the brick structure is too fragile to move, so will be lost.
A member of the archaeology team will be giving a talk on the 2014 dig. Details will be posted on the Dairy Dates page.
Summer Picnic June 7th 2014
After a rainy start the sun shone and a good time was had by all.
Visitors were entertained by Field End Infants Drumming Club, a Tai Chi demonstration, St. Lawrence Players performed their very own Legend of Eastcote House.
For the more energetic, Children’s Races, and a Tug of War. The unbeaten Champions are still The Case is Altered PH. More competition needed next year!
Not to be left out, our canine visitors had their own show with an Elvis lookalike to steal the show.
Cllr. Catherine Dann Mayor of Hillingdon & MP Nick Hurd joined in the fun and were able to admire the Classic cars and explore the many stalls.
Restoration work is due to start in August, so, sadly :o( the Friends of Eastcote House Gardens must say farewell to all our dedicated supporters for the rest of this year.
WE WILL BE BACK IN 2015 WITH A FULL PROGRAMME OF EVENTS WATCH THIS SPACE!! :o)
After a rainy start the sun shone and a good time was had by all.
Visitors were entertained by Field End Infants Drumming Club, a Tai Chi demonstration, St. Lawrence Players performed their very own Legend of Eastcote House.
For the more energetic, Children’s Races, and a Tug of War. The unbeaten Champions are still The Case is Altered PH. More competition needed next year!
Not to be left out, our canine visitors had their own show with an Elvis lookalike to steal the show.
Cllr. Catherine Dann Mayor of Hillingdon & MP Nick Hurd joined in the fun and were able to admire the Classic cars and explore the many stalls.
Restoration work is due to start in August, so, sadly :o( the Friends of Eastcote House Gardens must say farewell to all our dedicated supporters for the rest of this year.
WE WILL BE BACK IN 2015 WITH A FULL PROGRAMME OF EVENTS WATCH THIS SPACE!! :o)
