A 'Shellary' mentioned in Mary Parminter's will?
- Published:
- 02 April 2026
A 'Shellary' is mentioned in Mary Parminter's will, however, no archaeological evidence has ever been found of this. In 2024, some exciting archaeology was found in the bee garden resembling a grotto. Could this be what Mary was referring to?
In spring 2024, workers digging in the Bee Garden started uncovering shells and other material in the earth. Work was halted so the material could be safely retrieved and when investigated, more was found.
The material excavated consisted of fragments of plaster with shells stuck to the surface. The symmetrical pattern of the shells is similar to the decoration in the Shell Gallery. The highly decorated nature and the special materials used suggest they might once have been part of an important scheme.
Other finds include a variety of decorative crystals, ammonites, sea urchins an impressive section of marble pillar and painted stonework. Bricks, tiles and imprints of wooden beams in the plaster suggest these are remnants of a larger structure.
Could this be the remains of the Shellary mentioned in Mary’s will? Is Mary referring to a Shell Grotto structure in the grounds of A la Ronde when she writes ‘Shellary’ in her will? Or was she describing what we call the Shell Gallery in the house?
More investigations will continue to decipher the Shellary mystery and continue to develop an understanding of the historic estate of A la Ronde.
The remains of the shellary plus more archaeology are on display upstairs in the house, in the dressing room.
The Parminter Ladies' Grand Tour
A traditional educational trip for wealthy young men in the 18th century, the Parminter ladies defied convention to set off on their Grand Tour in 1784.
Unearthing Secrets: The 2023 A la Ronde Archaeological Dig
A summer of discovery, history, and muddy boots. Learn more about the A la Ronde 2023 archaeological excavation.
