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Attingham Unearthed

Archaeologist pointing with a trowel to a plan of the Anglo-Saxon palace site, Attingham Park, Shropshire
Archaeologist showing a plan of the Anglo-Saxon palace site, Attingham Park, Shropshire | © National Trust/ Jo Armstrong

Nestled in the heart of rural Shropshire, the Attingham Estate is not only a place of natural beauty and historic grandeur, but it is also situated within a rich archaeological landscape that tells the story of thousands of years of human activity.

From prehistoric settlements and the beginning of agriculture to Roman roads and buildings to medieval settlements and 18th-century parkland design, the estate offers a unique window into the lives of those who shaped and were shaped by this land. Our archaeological work at Attingham seeks to understand and share these hidden histories, inspiring visitors, and connecting the past with the present through research, conservation, and community engagement.

In 2025, the National Trust is launching Attingham Unearthed, a pilot archaeological project at Attingham Estate in Shropshire. It’s the first step in testing a new model for Archaeological Research, with the aim of creating hands-on, sustainable archaeology experiences across selected Trust sites.

Attingham was chosen for its rich historic landscape, with evidence ranging from prehistoric to post-medieval periods. Recent surveys have revealed high archaeological potential, making it the ideal place to begin.

The project will be woven into the estate’s new Outdoor Hub and supports both the Trust’s national outdoor strategy and the local Restoring Nature plan. It's designed to bring together research, conservation, and community participation.

This project will act as a proof of concept. Everything learned at Attingham, what works, what needs refining, will shape how the National Trust delivers archaeological engagement in the future. It’s about building something long-term, community-driven, and rooted in both nature and history.

Attingham Unearthed

Monday 8 - Friday 12 September & Monday 15 - Friday 19 September

A week long excavation experience

A week long excavation for those who wishing to develop thier archaeological skills with leading archaeologists and be part of the first significant excavation on the wider Attingham Estate. 

Set within the stunning wider Attingham Estate and just a stone’s throw from Wroxeter Roman City (Viroconium Cornoviorum). As well as lying within the hinterland of one of the largest cities of Roman Britain, it is believed that the site may also conceal layers of history stretching back into the Iron Age and even earlier. Participants will learn from leading archaeologists, including Matt Williams who is a Time Team archaeologist, supported by Dr Roger White, who is the leading expert on Wroxeter Roman City and its hinterland, and National Trust archaeologists.  You will also contribute directly to uncovering new stories about the Attingham Estate, Wroxeter Roman City, and what came before and after.  

The experience will include exclusive access to an excavation trench, access to an exclusive series of talks and behind the scenes insight about the dig and archaeology on the estate, hands on training by professional archaeologists, and immersive talks, this experience blends expert insight with real discovery.  

Find out more.

National Trust's Senior Archaeologist making site sketches during soil sampling
Archaeologist making site sketches during soil sampling | © Ben Thomas

History of Humanity on the Attingham Estate

c. 4000 to c. 2,200 BC

Neolithic hand-axe

This polished stone Neolithic hand-axe was found at Wheathill Farm in 1971 by the tenant farmer. Around 20cm in length, this axe is our earliest evidence for human occupation at Attingham. It was likely used to clear trees from the area to make way for the first farmers.

We know it was produced in North Wales, at a large established Neolithic axe production site. These axes were traded across the country and other similar axes are known from Shropshire.

Front face of a neolithic Hand axe found at Attingham Park, Shropshire
Neolithic Hand axe found at Attingham Park, Shropshire | © National Trust/ Saraid Jones

Previous archaeological work

The National Trust's largest geophysical survey

In 2023/4 the largest geophysical survey ever commissioned by the National Trust was undertaken at the Attingham Estate. The one-of-a-kind survey, encompassed over 1000 hectares (2,471 acres), used innovative scanning and mapping technology to provide a better understanding of Attingham’s archaeological remains. This understanding is helping us to develop nature recovery plans for the estate.

Geophysics is a method of archaeological survey that helps to understand what is beneath the soil in a non-invasive way, reducing the need for excavation and ground disturbance.

Technician undertaking geophysical survey at Attingham Park, Shropshire
Geophysical survey at Attingham Park, Shropshire | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Eight ditched enclosures and associated remains, many believed to be Iron-Age or Romano British farmsteads, have also been detected by the survey. These would have likely been small farms perhaps supplying food for the adjacent city, four of these were completely unknown until now.

In addition, evidence for several Roman roads to the west of Wroxeter were identified and surveys have substantially enhanced archaeologists’ understanding of the settlement activity immediately outside the defences of the city and the changing use of the area during Roman times.

Elsewhere on the estate, new features associated with a previously known Anglo-Saxon Great Hall complex have been detected, as well as substantial evidence which furthers existing knowledge of RAF Atcham airfield, and its runways, perimeter defences and landscaping.

Enhanced understanding of this archaeologically significant landscape provided by the survey results is enabling the Trust to progress with confidence as it plans land use changes with its tenants to help capture carbon, build climate resilience, and support nature restoration in North Shropshire. Insight and learning from this work will be shared to help others sensitively plan for new woodlands in complex historic environments around the country.

Artist impression of a Roman villa at Attingham Park, Shropshire
Artist impression of a Roman villa at Attingham Park, Shropshire | © Jennie Anderson

Among the significant features identified by the survey work was evidence for what are believed to be two previously unknown Roman villas and a Roman roadside cemetery, on a road leading out of Wroxeter. The two rural villas, (the equivalent of a large country estate) show evidence of at least two construction or occupation phases, along with floor plans with internal room divisions and associated outbuildings. Villas of this nature in the UK were usually heated by hypocausts (underfloor heating), they often had their own bath houses and were decorated with painted plaster and mosaic floors. It is likely that both villas identified would have had similar features. Only six other Roman villas are currently known in Shropshire.

This survey is enabling the National Trust to progress with confidence as it plans land use changes with its tenants to help capture carbon, build climate resilience and support nature restoration in North Shropshire.

The 'Summer House' mystery

In 2018, the Attingham team were preparing to restore an old pathway by the Walled Garden. Before any work could be done, checks had to be completed to see if there was any archaeological remains hidden underground. Following the results from the survey the first excavation of the area was completed and have discovered Attingham’s lost 'Summer House' and ‘Pleasure Garden’. The Pleasure Garden would have been a big luxury for the Berwick family, with space to privately unwind and entertain guests.

Service building discovered during archaeology dig at Attingham Park 2022
Service building discovered during archaeology dig at Attingham Park 2022 | © National Trust

In 2019, the Georgian Summer house was uncovered in its entirety. The Summer house can be roughly dated back to the early 1800s (that’s about thirty years after the regency mansion at Attingham was built). It’s unclear why the Summer house was demolished, but judging by the 2nd Lord Berwicks’ spending (and estate sales), it might have been simply too expensive to maintain.

After taking a break from digging, in 2021 another excavation was carried out, and located an oval brick-lined pool, complete with a piped water supply. Through a little analysis, the team discovered that the age of this brickwork matched the Summer house. Much like the Summer house, the plunge pool would have been the height of luxury for Georgian-era ladies and gentlemen.

Decorated glass found during Summerhouse excavation, Attingham, Shropshire
Decorated glass found during Summerhouse excavation, Attingham, Shropshire | © National Trust/ Viviana Caroli

After two further digs, in 2023 the Hot House was found. Much like the glasshouses in the Walled Garden, we think the Hot House was used for cultivating exotic fruits and vegetables. During the digs, flower-pot shards, and pieces of glass, were found. likely from the Hot House windows. A chimney stack, oven and corner fireplace were also discovered in association with the Hot House.

Cattle in the parkland near the Mansion

Discover more at Attingham

Find out when Attingham Park is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

Painting of View of Tern Hall from the front, set in parkland with deer and carriage
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Article

The history of Attingham 

From ancient landscapes to mansion restoration, discover the rich history of the Attingham Estate.

View to Wrekin at Attingham Park, Shropshire
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Article

Opening up the Attingham Estate 

We have identified an area of the Estate that we plan to open up to provide more access to the outdoors for walking, cycling, running, and other activities. The proposed new outdoor activity area will be in a separate part of the Estate from the current area accessed by visitors.

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Project

Nature recovery on the Attingham Estate 

Discover more about our plans for nature recovery on the Attingham Estate; our partners, projects, planting and ways we're helping nature.