A LESSER-known story is being told in a National Trust parkland near Pershore using archaeology, visual art and performance this summer.
Croome’s visitors will be able to discover more about the hamlet which once stood in the heart of the parkland only to be swept away by famous landscape designer ‘Capability’ Brown in the 1750s.
The story of the ‘Lost Hamlet of Croome’ began with visitors getting ‘hands on’ spending two hours with a professional archaeologist. They excavated their own trench to see if they could find evidence of lost buildings and found many items such as floor tiles, clay pipes and glass from windows and bottles.
South Worcestershire Archaeology Group (SWAG) also spent a week working with the professional archaeologist extending the trenches and digging deeper under the 20th century plough line. They discovered a track which is thought to date back to the early 18th century and made of blue lias stone. All the finds will be catalogues and stored at The Hive followed by a report from the professional archaeologist.
“It was great to see so many visitors getting involved in the dig and finding evidence of habitation in this area which had previously been indicated by the geo-physics survey carried out by SWAG.” said Katherine Alker, Croome’s Garden and Outdoors Manager.
Working with local artist Sarah Edwards the story of the ‘Lost Hamlet of Croome’ continues represented by a creative and colourful installation indicating where the structure of the hamlet may once have been before it was demolished.
The installation is on display until August 27.
Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/croome for more.
