The Royal Parks in partnership with English Heritage is hosting a community archaeology dig, 6-12 September in Greenwich Park. An excavation and survey of features will take place in an area considered to be the site of a former seventeenth-century Keeper’s Cottage or Lodge.

Led by professional archaeologists, the project will give volunteers hands-on experience, and will record and map the historic features of the site in relation to existing historical evidence.

The site was recorded in the 1994 Royal Commission on the Historic Monuments of England report, but the growth of nearby trees and resulting heavy shade and tree roots has led to gradual erosion, exposing a line of bricks and broken roof tiles.

Mark Stevenson, Archaeology Advisor, English Heritage said:
“This site requires cleaning and recording before it is covered and protected and therefore lends itself to be a short community project where local people can get involved and be truly hands on, learn and have fun!”

Graham Dear, Park Manager of Greenwich Park said:
“This is a great way for people to learn about the history of the park and discover more about archaeology at the same time. We hope that this opportunity will inspire local people to come along and get involved.”

There are a number of opportunities to take part, including drop-in open sessions and short talks on-site, including: ‘Recent archaeological projects in the area,’ Wednesday 8 September, 12 noon, by Mark Stevenson, Archaeology Advisor, London Region, English Heritage; and ‘How science can be the archaeologist’s friend,’ Friday 10 September, 12 noon, by Jane Sidell, Inspector of Ancient Monuments, London Region, English Heritage.

The results of the field work will be recorded, analysed and published in an archaeological journal. Any finds will be offered to the Greenwich Museum or the Museum of London. The site will then be covered over with topsoil.

Media enquiries:

For further information or images please contact:
Katy Murray on 0300 061 2128 or 07970 660 132 or email kmurray@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk

Notes to Editors:

• How to get involved: If you would like to participate in the dig, please contact Michael Loughnane on 020 8858 2608 ext 24 or email: mloughnane@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk
  Please wear appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear, and where possible bring your own trowel, small hand-brush, hand-shovel and bucket.
  
  
• About the site: The Royal Commission on the Historic Monuments of England noted the site in their 1994 report on Greenwich Park.
  
  The earliest depiction of the Keeper’s Lodge is on the Pepys plan (1676-80). The Lodge was demolished in 1853, following various alterations to the building, including the addition of a yard and outbuildings.
  
  No substantial trace remains above ground, expect scarps (slopes) marking the south-western corner and part of the south side of the compound.

About The Royal Parks:

The Royal Parks is an executive agency of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The Royal Parks are: Bushy Park, The Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, The Regent's Park and Primrose Hill, Richmond Park and St James's Park. For further information please visit: www.royalparks.org.uk