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Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd was commissioned by The Friends of Hardwick Park, to undertake an archaeological investigation of the 18th century Bath and Banqueting Houses in Hardwick Park, Sedgefield, County Durham. The Friends of Hardwick Park, working in partnership with Durham County Council and the Ramside Estate, developed a project to investigate and ultimately restore/rebuild the Bath and Banqueting Houses. The funds for this first phase of works have been raised from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Sir James Knott Trust to support a small community led project to partially excavate the Bath and Banqueting Houses at Hardwick Park. The primary objective of the works comprised targeted community archaeological excavation to establish the survival and extent of the two buildings. The results of this project will feed into further stages of architectural and engineering design work as well as costing exercises. Seven trenches were excavated at the site targeting both the Bath and Banqueting Houses (centred at NGR NZ 34247 29324 and NZ 34692 29139 respectively. Trench 1 was sited over the Bath House and aimed to identify the central plunge pool and ascertain whether there was any evidence of a lantern within the roof structure. Trenches 2-7 were located at the Banqueting House and aimed to identify the extent of the building including the four principal corners, the bay window to the north-west and the two rear rooms which formed the original entrance on the north-east facing elevation. The archaeological investigations at Hardwick Park have demonstrated that below-ground remains of both the Bath and Banqueting Houses survived in an excellent state of preservation. The works have provided key structural information on construction materials and the extent, depth and archaeological potential of the remains of both mid-18th century structures. The location of architectural fragments recovered from the demolition deposits were recorded and a photographic catalogue maintained of each fragment. Evidence for the phases of construction and use of each building was identified with particular focus on the remains of central plunge pool and its water system within the Bath House and also the function of the rear rooms in the Banqueting House. Within Trench 1 the Bath was relatively intact, with only the metal railings removed around the western edge and a few blocks of stonework around the water pipe at the southern edge. There was subsidence in the western exterior wall (caused by missing blockwork in the bath structure) and part of the floor surface within the vestibule had been 'robbed-out' but overall, the structure was in good condition. The plan and design of the central bath was established, which was one of the principal aims of the investigation, however it is still unclear whether there was a lantern above the room. Although there was a high quantity of glass within the demolition material (60 fragments), these were spread out across the trench and there was no evidence for glazing bars found within the excavated part of the bath. As the bath was not fully excavated, it is possible that remains of the lantern may still be present at the base of the plunge pool. This is likely as the roof structures of derelict buildings are liable to collapse first and therefore will be found near the base of the bath. Trenches 2-7 exposed the full footprint of the Banqueting House including the rear rooms on the eastern side of the structure. The bay-window in Trench 6 was found to be still intact albeit heavily truncated during the demolition of the structure in the 1950s. Foundations for all walls were exposed as well as the position of the three internal fireplaces (one in the main hall and one in ante and retiring rooms). |
