Archaeologists dig to discover building

From Monday to next Friday and then continuing the following week, the team will be working at Attingham Park, near Shrewsbury, to look below the surface where a brick and stone building has been discovered, which could be up to 200 years old.

The building was recently unearthed during park management works to look at vehicle accessibility in areas of the estate earlier this summer.

A variety of maps and LiDAR surveying were used to check for historically sensitive areas within the grounds.

LiDAR is a remote sensing technology that uses lasers to measure the topography of an area, and this revealed ground variations and a difference in ground height.

Although nothing was indicated on historical maps, the LiDAR map showed an area with unusual ground topography.

A trial dig was carried out by professional archaeologist Dr Nigel Baker and now a larger scale excavation will place.

Because of the dig’s location visitors to the National Trust property will be able to watch it taking place on those dates.

Little is known about the structure at this point.

It is located near to the Walled Garden at Attingham but does not appear on the 1807 estate map or the 1880 first edition of the Ordnance Survey map.

Bob Thurston, countryside parks and gardens manager at Attingham, said: “This is a really interesting discovery – we hope this second dig will give us much more information about what the building is.

"Is it related to the Walled Garden? Is it a dwelling? The structure is about 5m x 5m square with outlying and perimeter walls. The first dig discovered Grinshill stone within the structure so we think it was a building of some status.”

Dr Barker will return to lead the dig, with volunteers from Attingham’s Heritage Archaeology Ranger Team.

Visitors will even be able to take part in the dig on three ‘have a go archaeology’ days on August 17, Monday 20 and Friday 24.

Places are limited, open to all ages, and must be pre-booked in advance at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/attingham-park/whats-on or by calling 03442 491895.

There are two timed sessions each day, and there is a small charge to take part in the ‘have a go’ events.

The sessions will include an introduction to the fine art of archaeology, an overview of what has been found so far, and instruction in how to use the provided tools.

Admission to Attingham is free for National Trust members and under fives. Standard admission charges will apply for non-members, and there is no additional charge to watch the dig taking place.