Archaeology at the Old House Project

Event details

When the SPAB bought this Grade II* listed building in 2018, it had stood empty for 50 years. Since then, we’ve undertaken an ambitious repair project to rescue this ‘building at risk’ and return it to use as a home once more. 

In this recorded online talk, you’ll hear how archaeologists helped us to construct a picture of this building’s complex history, so we could develop well-informed, sympathetic plans to bring the building back to life. 

Archaeologist Graham Keevill explains the work we carried out on site, starting with a series of small test pits dug around the perimeter of the building. 

You’ll hear how some fascinating early finds fed into our interpretation of the building's history and its connection to nearby Boxley Abbey, and how further investigations revealed even more about the building's change in ownership, use and development over the centuries.

How does it work?  

This talk was recorded in April 2023. It is available for you to view now until the 31 December 2024. You will receive a booking confirmation email with a link and passcode to watch the recorded talk. Please check your junk mail if you don’t receive one.

Who is it for? 

This talk will be of interest to anyone with a love of old buildings - their history, renovation and future. If you are not able to visit the Old House Project in person, this illustrated talk will give you an introduction to the archaeology of the building.

This talk covers:

• The project objective.

• The building's link to nearby Boxley Abbey. 

• Post-medieval use and evolution of the site. 

• Physical surveys and dendrochronology. 

• Below-ground archaeology test pits and findings.

Interested to know more?

There are two more recorded talks in our Old House Project collection, both available to watch on demand: 

• An Introduction to the Old House Project
• Research, Repairs and Restrictions at the Old House Project

IT requirements 

To view this recorded talk you'll need internet connection and a computer, phone or device that can play video and audio. 

Speakers 

Graham Keevill, consultant archaeologist  

Graham is an expert archaeological consultant with more than 40 years in the profession. He has directed all types of archaeological work from small watching briefs and evaluations through to major survey, excavation and building archaeology programmes. Keevill Heritage Ltd provides advice and fieldwork services for many smaller churches at parish level. Their client base includes Historic Royal Palaces. 

Accessibility 

Anything we can do to make this event more accessible for you? Please email education@spab.org.uk .

All bookings are subject to our Terms and Conditions. 

Photo credit: Archaeological find at the Old House Project © Graham Keevill.