As the community dig near Grantham nears its conclusion, the Harlaxton History Society endeavors to unearth the mysteries of three vanished manor houses. Aided by a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant, this archaeological expedition has been ongoing throughout September, using sophisticated geophysical surveys to delve into the village’s history prior to the construction of the new manor in the 19th Century. Among the captivating discoveries are remains of a Tudor pleasure garden, suggestive of the opulent lifestyles once lived there.
The present Harlaxton Manor, which houses Harlaxton College and serves as the British campus for the University of Evansville, is set within 300 acres of scenic parkland and gardens. Yet, the site’s history extends back to the 14th Century, beginning with a moated manor, succeeded by a Tudor manor, and later extensively developed in a Jacobean style by Daniel de Ligne in the early 17th Century.
Douglas Brown, one of the project’s heads, stressed the inclusivity of the dig, with volunteers ranging in age from seven to 70 engaged in revealing the site’s obscured narratives. The project aspires to foster a connection between archaeology and the community while enhancing the understanding of the area’s common heritage. Upon completion, the discoveries will be made available to the public. A detailed report is expected to be published later this year.
This article draws on original reporting obtained from www.bbc.com.
