HER 2813 - Painshill Park Grade I EH Registered Park of Special Historic Interest

Restoration of an 18th century landscape at Painshill Park. A three year programme of archaeological research for Painshill Park Trust Ltd began in 1983 as excavation was necessary prior to restoration. A folly (a ruined abbey), the site of the Turkish Tent, the temple of Bacchus and the grotto were excavated. Excavation re-established the ground plan and construction material of the temple of Bacchus, constructed circa 1762. The temple had disappeared completely but its position was discovered during preliminary field survey work. The site and timber foundations of a five-arched bridge were also been found. Vast quantities of decorative material have been recovered from the grotto, which was finished by 1765. These included fluorite crystals, stalactites, over a ton of Gypsum flakes, quartz and calcite flakes and many other natural crystals. Stalactites, fossils and some splendid corals from the West Indies were also recovered. The system for circulating water, an important feature of the grotto, was re-established. It is now known that water was drawn from the lake through an underground channel and circulated via a system of pipes and channels to provide a series of cascades and pools before it returned to the lake. The floor of the Mausoleum (pre 1761), which was buried under fallen masonry, has been excavated and recorded. A reconstruction plan has been drawn up and work started to relay the floor. Excavation around the cottage and walled garden has added many details to our knowledge of this area. Excavations to establish the original design of the cascade have proved interesting with many alterations and repairs recognised. It is hoped to use the information recorded to establish the site of the 18th century wheel which was used to raise water from the River Mole to feed the lake. Numerous investigation trenches have established earlier land use, e.g. sites of shrubberies, paths and lawns. The Bramah Wheel which replaced the original wheel in the 1830's and is still standing was also be investigated. All the finds and archive (notes, plans, photos, negatives, slides, correspondence and ms) from these excavations are retained by the Painshill Park Trust Ltd.

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Archaeological History

Activity	Person & Organisation	Dates
trial trench	Howes, L	2004-04-01
Description Lesley Howes Archaeological Services Location Surrey, Guildford, Wisley, Grid Reference TQ 096 601 Associated Sources Title Author Type More info Produced by Lesley Howes Archaeology Services Howes, L document more... Reference An archaeological report on The Hermitage, Painshill Park, Surrey Reference 29/04/04 Holding Location Surrey HER 1 part

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