Cedars Park Cheshunt

Oxford Archaeology (OA) have been commissioned by Broxbourne Borough Council to
undertake an archaeological investigation into Cedars Park,Cheshunt, Hertfordshire. The
main aim of this report is to increase the overall understanding of the site and its
archaeological potential in order to assist in the preparation of a Conservation Management
Plan. This is intended to inform Broxbourne Borough Council in the development of key
plans and tasks to underpin a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) Lottery Parks for People Bid for
Cedars Park in 2008.
Cedars Park is a 30-acre popular and well-maintained park with two distinct facets: it is an
important local resource which is well used and is popular for its facilities, open space,
varied habitats, and developing event programme, and it is also the site of a magnificent
16th-century manor house, later to become a royal place known as Theobalds.
Theobalds Palace was originally built by Sir William Cecil between 1564 and 1585, and it
was frequently used by Elizabeth I until her death in 1603. In 1607 it became a Royal Palace
proper when James I decided to exchange it with Cecil’s son Robert for the nearby Royal
Manor of Hatfield. James died at Theobalds in 1625 and Charles I owned the palace until his
execution in 1649. At this time Theobalds was listed amongst other royal properties for
disposal by the Commonwealth and by 1650 was partly or largely demolished. Due to these
close links with Royalty, Theobalds Palace is of great historical significance. It is also of
archaeological significance in that it was believed by Sir John Summerson (one of the
leading architectural historians of the 20th century) to have been one of the most important
architectural achievements of the Elizabethan period.
This investigation comprises three main elements: historical desk based research,
geophysical survey, and building assessment/recording. These stages have followed on
chronologically from each other and the results of each element has informed the other
stages of the project.
This work has largely confirmed the current understanding on the former layout of
Theobalds Palace. However it has also has been possible to outline the various phases of
occupation on the site now encompassed by Cedars Park.
There is little in the way of above-ground archaeological remains, particularly from the
primary palace structure, however there is great potential for buried remains. A geophysics
survey carried out as part of this investigation has provided some insight into sub-surface
features, although it has been of limited value in confirming which, if any, of the original
palace walls survive below ground. Further geophysics however, using alternative
techniques, could be targeted on specific areas which hold some potential for good results. In
addition to this it is worth noting that certain areas hold high potential for valuable trial
trenching, evaluation, and research digs, should this be approved by English Heritage. It is
recommended that due to the potential presence of below ground archaeology in certain
areas of the park, that any future intrusive ground works be archaeologically monitored.