2017 saw the group exploring and excavating Rowden Abbey.
We know that the present house was built in1881 within the grounds of the original house, a 13th century moated manor house, which stood some 100 metres nearer to the river Frome.
Scrub clearance began in February, to gain access to the site. We could only dig a limited area of the original house/garden site, as the main area is in a neighbour’s garden, but we managed to expose and trace the moat wall as far as the
boundary.
Also work was carried out on the small circular island within the present pool. This could have been constructed within the ruined wall of a medieval dovecote, which was reported to have been within the grounds. On this island we discovered a small multi-celled structure, which was likely to have been a half- timbered garden feature, probably built during or slightly later than the 1651 rebuild of the manor house. It was an interesting season and our thanks go to the present owners for inviting us and for their hospitality.
Post-Excavation work is now underway and a report and video will be available for viewing soon.
