Events forming part of the Heritage Lottery-funded project Unlocking Broomfield Park for the Community are now in full swing. Last Saturday and Sunday Enfield Archaeological Society were on site carrying out the first ot two weekends of digging.
The first weekend's dig took place behind the remains of Broomfield House (Photo: Enfield Archaeological Society)
Enfield Archaeological Society conducted an initial weekend of investigation in Broomfield Park to explore a potential undocumented ornamental canal behind the house.
Aerial photography and geophysical surveys have outlined a possible location although this feature doesn't appear on historical maps of Broomfield Parks extensive Baroque water gardens,
A trench laid across a clear line in the grass suggesting the canal's path, has now revealed gravel banks. Between the banks, deposits of pebbles, brickearth, and brick fragments were found, although surprisingly shallow at only 40cm. There were some interesting finds - mostly 19th and 20th century, associated with the canal's infilling, suggesting it went out of use in that period and might not have been long-lived.
A second weekend of digging is planned on Saturday 3rd to Monday 5th May, with a second trench targeting the canal's apparent northern end, where a water supply might have been located. The aim is to find evidence of the canal's construction date.
This weekend will include a public open day on Saturday 3rd May 10:30am to 3:30pm where you can meet the archaeologists and find out more about the project.
Download the Enfield Archaeological Society booklet about the dig
Read Enfield Archaeological Society's report on the first weekend's dig
Unlocking Broomfield Archaeology Open Day - Saturday 3rd May
Come and visit a real archaeological dig at Broomfield Park. You can meet the excavation team from the Enfield Archaeological Society as they dig two trenches to explore possible water garden features.
There will be a tabletop sand pit where children can dig. Visitors of all ages will have the chance to handle archaeological finds and purchase publications from the Enfield Archaeological Society.
Other organizations, including Historic England, have been invited to set up stalls. Council officers will also be available to answer any questions you have about future plans for the house and park.
Depending on the number of participants, you may have the chance to join the excavation, guided by experienced volunteers from the society, on one or more of the excavation days.
For safety reasons, only those aged 16 and over can participate in the digging. You must be a member of the Enfield Archaeological Society to be covered by insurance, but for this event, the organisers will cover the membership fee. You'll also receive the society’s email bulletin for the rest of 2025.
To join in, speak to a member of the excavation team on one of the digging days. Please wear sturdy footwear and dress appropriately for the weather, as you might get a bit dirty.
