PCA’s experience in the archaeology of parks and gardens ranges from large-scale commercial work in Royal Palace Gardens to community excavations as part of our outreach programme.

Formal parks and gardens have been a feature of the landscape since the medieval period, and reached their peak in popularity during the 18th and 19th centuries. PCA uses a range of methods to understand these landscapes, including geophysical survey, excavation, and analysis of historical documents and plans to interpret the processes by which these landscapes were created, and the social and cultural contexts that shaped them.

An important aspect of the archaeology of parks and gardens is the study of garden features such as hothouses, fountains, statues, and other decorative elements. These elements are often made from fragile materials which may have degraded over time. By studying these features, our team can gain insight into the design and aesthetics of these landscapes, as well as the materials and techniques used to create them, to assist in their conservation and repair.

Click on the examples below for details of PCA’s work in parks and formal gardens.