Enfield Archaeological Society Dig in Broomfield Park

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 Sunday 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 -full details here

• Download the Enfield Archaeological Society booklet about the dig [PDF 1MB]
• Read a detailed report from the first weekend Dig on the EAS website
• Come along to the Open Day on Saturday May 3rd 10:30 am - 3:30pm