Luton Hoo Hyde

Oxford Archaeology carried out Stage 1 of an archaeological evaluation in advance of a proposed development at Luton Hoo, Hyde, Bedfordshire on behaLf of Elite Hotels and Luton Hoo Park Ltd. Stage 1 consisted of fieldwalking an area of approximately 60 HA a high density perhistoric flint scatter was observed, which should be regarded as significant and indicative of prehistoric activity in the Study Area. Lower amounts of medieval, post-medieval and modern material were also recovered. The finds cannot confirm the presence of a Palladian gatehouse known to have existed in the vicinity, although the material probably derived from a nearby building. Extensive later disturbance associated with post-medieval landscaping and ploughing was apparent throughout the Study Area.