Skip to content

Archaeologists' surprise at uncovering WW1 trenches

Tony Fisherin Ampthill Great Park
Tony Fisher/BBC A carefully excavated trench cuts through a sandy archaeological site. Clean vertical sides reveal layers of soil and possible structural remains at the base. Tools, buckets, and tagged markers indicate an active and systematic dig. In the background, an archaeologist continues work beside mounds of removed earth.Tony Fisher/BBC
The training trenches with the sandbags visible at the end were discovered in Ampthill Great Park, which is owned by the town council

Archaeologists exploring the ruins of a royal castle said they were surprised to discover World War One trenches.

The 15th Century palace in Ampthill Great Park, Bedfordshire, was home to Henry VIII and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon.

Scans of the ground by the team at DigVentures close to the ruins appeared to show a structure which they believed would turn out to be Tudor stables or a banqueting hall.

Harriet Tatton, 35, who is part of the team, said the discovery of the trenches "was a complete surprise to us".

Tony Fisher/BBC A neatly excavated pit reveals distinct soil layers and stepped sections cut into the ground. The edges are sharp and precise, showing careful archaeological methods. An archaeologist stands nearby using a tool to clean and define the trench. The surrounding cleared surface and marked areas indicate an organised and ongoing excavation.Tony Fisher/BBC
Nat Jackson said they would create a 3D model of the trenches, which would be available on the DigVentures website

Another member of the team, Nat Jackson, who worked on the trench excavation, said they knew Ampthill Park had been used for World War One training.

"But to stumble across some training trenches is very exciting," he said.

"We were not expecting this at all, and it is not something I have dealt with before."

Tatton said that scans "can show you one thing, but you open it up, and it is something entirely different".

The Bedfordshire Standard A black and white picture of a World War One trench which has wooden posts on one side. It is a grainy image.The Bedfordshire Standard
The training trenches in Ampthill Great Park as they looked in 1915

Director of operations at DigVentures, Stephanie Duensing, 42, said they had collected rubble debris which had toppled down from the hill where the castle stood.

It was here that Catherine of Aragon was sent in 1533 during divorce proceedings with Henry VIII.

The buildings were falling into decay by 1555, and they had been completely demolished by 1649.

Duensing said discovering "ditches instead of buildings was a big surprise to us".

"I think because we have this wonderful World War One chapter, we are looking into, it has turned into a real soft spot for the local community.

"A lot of them are coming out and talking about their loved ones who may have been training here."

Tony Fisher/BBC Several shallow trenches and test pits are carefully laid out across the excavation area. Clean edges and string lines mark features being recorded and measured. A kneeling archaeologist uses hand tools to precisely uncover and document remains. Buckets and equipment nearby show the methodical process of removing soil layer by layer.Tony Fisher/BBC
Among the trenches were telegraph wires, which were believed to have been used by soldiers for training

Do you have a story suggestion for Beds, Herts or Bucks? Contact us below.

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

More on this story
Related internet links