An archaeologist at Greenwich Park has revealed what they have been digging to find – from Saxon burial mounds to WW2 site.

A three-year archaeologic dig is currently underway at Greenwich Park as part of an £8 million pound project to restore and improve the park.

The dig began in 2021and is half-way through completion - with the next beginning in the summer.

The dig is being undertaken with the help of Friends of Greenwich Park History Research group and is being headed by Community Archaeologist, Andrew Mayfield.

Andrew said: “We are learning new things about Greenwich Park’s rich history all the time.

“Just this week I learnt about the activities of the local Home Guard during World War Two and the Royal Parks Rifle Club”.

The project is currently being funded by the National Lottery Community Fund which is investing £8 million in restoring and enhancing the park.

Greenwich Park has a long and rich history dating back to Roman times and the park has several historical buildings from the Old Royal Naval College to the Royal Observatory.

Andrew added: “Greenwich Park is full of history and archaeology.

“We have a Roman Temple, Saxon burial mounds, a historic Baroque landscape commissioned by King Charles II in the 1660s, lost buildings, and World War Two sites”.

So far, the dig has uncovered evidence of Saxon burial mounds, evidence on the Old Keeper’s Cottage and the foundations of the lost 19th century Magnetic Pavilion and 20th century Yapp telescope site.

The current focus of the dig is to locate the remains of the WW2 rifle range around One Tree Hill in the Summer of this year.

Andrew explained: “So far, we have examined the Saxon Barrows, the site of the Magnetic Observatory (a lost part of the Royal Observatory), the site of the Old Keeper’s Cottage site (from where the Park was managed, up to the Victorian period) and a former rifle range in The Wilderness by the flower garden.

“Nothing survives above ground, but we have identified the remains of the sand bank that the rifle club would have fired into, and lots of spent 22 bullets”.

The dig will also allow exploratory works ahead of ongoing developments to improve the park including the planting of new trees and the construction of new pathways, waterpipes and buildings.

The project also offers an opportunity for nearby schools, groups and members of the public to get directly involved with the dig.

Andrew said: “People have jumped at the opportunity to take part in an archaeology project in a Royal Park.

News Shopper: Pupils from local schools have the opportunity to get involved with the digsPupils from local schools have the opportunity to get involved with the digs (Image: Royal Parks)

“We are developing an amazing team of volunteers, made up of locals, Londoners and people as far away as Kent.

“There are over 100 people on our email list, and we have had lots of great feedback on the projects we have run. Do get in touch if you would like to get involved.

“For more information about getting involved contact GreenwichParkRevealed@royalparks.org.uk”.