Archaeology

The archaeological report on the Lee-Fendall House Garden offers a comprehensive look into the historical restoration efforts tied to the property. The 2011 archaeological investigation, carried out by The Louis Berger Group, aimed to recover vital information to assist in restoring the garden to its 1850s design under the ownership of Louis Cazenove.

During the investigation, the team uncovered several important features that contributed to understanding the original layout and aesthetic of the mid-nineteenth century garden. They identified an intact landscape layer beneath modern surfaces, which included curvilinear garden paths, the foundation of a garden tool shed, and planting beds likely following the landscaping principles of the “Beautiful” movement—a popular garden design style of the time. The study also found earlier artifacts and features dating back to the Fendall family's occupation in the late 18th century, providing further insight into the property’s evolution.

The archaeological findings will play a crucial role in restoring the garden to reflect its 1850s appearance, complementing the ongoing restoration of the house itself.

The full Archaeology Report (135 pp.) is available to download.