Home Park, Hampton Court Palace

Oxford Archaeology (OA) has been commissioned by Historic Royal Palaces (HRP) to undertake an archaeological desk-based assessment of the potential archaeological implications of proposed development related to a Flower Show held within Home Park at Hampton Court. The proposed work will involve the laying of new electrical and water services within Home Park. The primary aim of the project was to establish whether the line of the Coombe Conduit would be affected by the proposed works. In addition, however, the wider archaeological resource of the Park has also been assessed. This assessment has examined the historic development of the park, assessing the historically documented, mapped and illustrated features, evidence seen on aerial photographs and features visible on the ground today. The assessment has demonstrated the hitherto underestimated significance of the historic and archaeological resource of Home Park, including both above and below ground features. Home Park is an interesting and complex palimpsest landscape including visible deposits and remains from the pre-parkland landscape down to the World War II defences. In addition the significant topographical location of Home Park and archaeological evidence recorded within its hinterland suggests that Home Park has a high potential to contain buried prehistoric remains. Due to the limited amount of disturbance within the park all archaeological remains, lying outside areas of later disturbance, are likely to be very well preserved and, therefore, form an important potential resource. The proposed works related to installing permanent services for the Flower Show will impact on known features of mostly minor significance. Of most significance is the potential impact on the route of the 16th century brick culverted Coombe Conduit. A geophysics survey has been agreed to further investigate the conduit corridor and the proposed service areas relating to the Flower Show. The results of this survey will inform future advice concerning any requirement for archaeological trenching or watching brief monitoring prior to or during the laying of the proposed services.