EDO7145 - Highcliffe Castle, Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, Christchurch; evaluation 2015-16

An evaluation consisting of the digging of seven trenches one metre wide across the full width of paths P2–P5 (trenches 20–23, 25–27) with a 0.5 m wide slot dug through the path make-up itself. A trench was dug across the line of Path P6 as shown on the historic maps (Trench 24) and one test pit was dug to the south of P5 in an initial attempt to find Path P6 (Trench 28). Trenches 24 and 25 were dug along the line of a surveyed transect across the boundary bank and across the earthwork of path P5 to the east of Path P1 (Transect B). Another transect (Transect A) was surveyed across the boundary bank, and the earthworks of paths P4 and P5 to the west of Path P1. All archaeological deposits and features exposed during the works were recorded and excavation of archaeological deposits and features was limited to resolving questions relating to their date, nature, extent and condition. The paths were shown to have been deliberately constructed within linear earthworks and metalled with flint gravel, and appear to have been laid out as part of a single scheme, most likely part of Lady Stuart’s work on the grounds shortly after the construction of Highcliffe Castle in 1834. Only the carriage drive from Steamer Lodge showed any evidence of prior use. In addition, the location of one of Lord Bute’s temples, possibly designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown in 1777-8, was identified.