Community Gallery
Petworth Park, National Trust
CBAS have undertaken several community archaeology projects for the National Trust at Petworth House.
Two excavations have been carried out with volunteers in the grounds of Petworth House, combining research with training for the volunteers. The most important was carried out during the summer of 2014 when we investigated the possible site of Henry VIII’s banqueting house. Foundations and floors from a substantial building were found, and there were also hints of an earlier building below. The vast majority of the finds date to the 16th century, and include pottery, a variety of metal items including a gold ring, and two silver coins. The finds are concentrated in the period 1450-1575, although the main focus of activity appears to be during the reign of Elizabeth 1st.
We also surveyed the standing buildings in the Cowyard at Petworth House. A total of 12 buildings were surveyed, with volunteers being provided with training in a series of dayschools run by the Sussex School of Archaeology, and then participating in the survey of the buildings with CBAS staff.