Monument record 0162501003 - West of Langley Park

The ditches identified within the two excavation areas likely represent internal parkland division or field boundaries of the later 16th or early 17th Century. They may also relate to period of renovation of the park after several years of neglect. Area 2 contained an horizon of building debris. This may relate to the construction or demoloition of a new hunting lodge, with house, stables and outbuildings, noted in 1603. Made ground deposits at the eastern end of Area 1 form part of the construction platform for the main house. Later 18th century tree clearance, and subsequent formal planting, is evident and may relate to the formal landscaping of the garden by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown, 1763-4. The regular arrangement of 6 planting pits in Area 1 seem suggestive of a planned garden. See report for detail (B43).