Fairhaven Lake, Lytham St Annes, Lancashire Archaeological Watching Brief Report

Oxford Archaeology (OA) North was commissioned by Fylde Council to undertake an archaeological watching brief during public realm enhancement works of Fairhaven Lake and Gardens, Lytham St Annes, Lancashire (NGR: SD 33983 27316). The watching brief was focused on landscaping during the exposure and construction/consolidation of footpaths within TH Mawson’s 1924 Japanese Garden, which had been infilled in the 1960s-80s. This work was in addition to an Historic Building Survey (reported separately) to photographically record the Pagoda, Pavilion café and boathouse prior to renovation works. The watching brief was undertaken over six days between 30th October and 6th November 2021.
The largely sand infill of the Japanese Garden was removed using a mechanical excavator with the features exposed then cleaned by hand. The stone-built structure of Mawson’s 1924 Japanese Garden survives relatively intact, aided by the substantial size of the sandstone blocks used in the steps, paths and rockeries, and the use of concrete in the construction of the lagoon edge. Although elements of the former sandstone pathways have been lost and/or replaced with tarmac, this does not detract significantly from the survival of the remainder of the structure. Many historic photographs survive of the site in the early twentieth century, as do Mawson’s planting plans. These will help to enhance subsequent consolidation, soft landscaping and gardening works.