Clandon Park, West Clandon, Guildford, Surrey - Detailed Gradiometer and Ground Penetrating Radar Survey Report

Wessex Archaeology

A detailed gradiometer and ground penetrating radar survey was conducted over land at Clandon Park, West Clandon, Guildford, Surrey (centred on NGR 504300 151250). The project was commissioned by Bristol and Bath Heritage Consultancy Ltd, on behalf of The National Trust, to establish the presence, or otherwise, and nature of detectable archaeological features.

The site comprises maintained grassland, covering an area of 3 ha. The survey has demonstrated the presence
of past garden arrangements. A wide network of garden paths has been identified to the south and east of Clandon House, including the Entrance Avenue that extends from steps on the eastern side of the house. In addition, associated drainage channels have been identified running parallel to the paths. It is likely that several different phases of park development are evident within the results.

Several other anomalies have been identified that pertain to former garden features, mostly around the south and east of the house. The probable remains of the ‘Gravel Garden’, recorded on 1730 mapping, have been identified, as well as possible retaining or garden walls. Circular features are thought to relate to former garden features. This interpretation is supported by the location of one along the route of the Entrance Avenue. However, it cannot be discounted that they relate to more modern activity such as landscaping or water management. Numerous high-amplitude anomalies have been identified to the south of Clandon House. They are related to landscaping processes associated with the modern garden layout. The remaining anomalies are thought to be modern or natural. The modern anomalies mostly relate to services and land drains.