Lost Waterways of the Royal Parks
Exploring the hidden history beneath our parks
For centuries, an extraordinary network of underground waterways developed under the Royal Parks and supplied water to royal palaces, including Richmond Palace and the Palace of Greenwich. Today, many of these historic conduits, wells, reservoirs and tunnels have been forgotten, hidden beneath the landscape and little known to visitors.
The Lost Waterways of the Royal Parks project is a three-year archaeology and community engagement initiative that will investigate these historic water systems beneath Richmond Park, Bushy Park and Greenwich Park. Made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and the Friends groups of Richmond, Greenwich and Bushy Parks, the project will help us better understand, document, and protect this hidden heritage.
Why are we doing this?
Many of the parks' historic water systems date from the medieval and post-medieval periods. Although they played a vital role in shaping the parks we know today, much of this infrastructure has been decommissioned, buried or lost over time.
By researching these historic waterways, we can:
- Improve our understanding of the parks' history and archaeology
- Find out how we can best protect park landscapes
- Inspire conversations about sustainability and climate resilience
- Engage local communities and visitors though activities and through sharing stories of our heritage.
Meet the archaeologist
The project is led by archaeologist Andrew Mayfield who will work with local communities, volunteers and project partners. Andrew will help uncover the stories behind the parks' historic waterways and share new discoveries as the project progresses.
I am delighted to be back with The Royal Parks charity and working on the Lost Waterways project. By researching, surveying, and investigating the historic waterways, we will learn so much more about the parks' history and archaeology.
Given the growing demand for water across the parks, these important historic structures may even provide solutions to some of the challenges we face in the 21st century.
Over the next three years, there will be plenty of opportunities to get involved with the project, so do follow us on this exciting journey underground!
Get involved
There will be many opportunities to discover the Lost Waterways project over the next three years. Visit our events page to find out how you can take part.
Visitors can look forward to:
- Guided walks and talks
- Community archaeology activities
- Learning opportunities for schools and families
- Digital content, including 3D models and behind-the-scenes updates.
Please note that the underground waterways themselves are not open to the public and are unsafe to enter. Instead, the project will share stories through guided experiences, interpretation and digital content.
Follow the project
The Lost Waterways project runs until 2029, beginning in Richmond Park before expanding to Bushy Park and Greenwich Park. As the project develops, we'll be sharing updates, discoveries, events, and opportunities to get involved.
Check back regularly to follow our journey under the surface of the Royal Parks.