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Hope for lottery decision by the time Archbishop launches Lydiard’s Heritage Open Days

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby will give his blessing to Lydiard Park’s Heritage Open Days when he visits Swindon on 13 September as
part of a three-day visit to the Diocese of Bristol.
His day in the town starts wave off a sponsored walk and renovation of the historic interior 5pm on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14
with breakfast and prayer with bike ride in support of the Na- of St Mary’s by the time of the visit. September. St Mary’s will be open
clergy and church leaders from tional Churches Trust initiative to Heritage Open Days is a na- from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and
Swindon Churches Together, an raise money to preserve some of tional annual event celebrating 12noon to 5pm on Sunday when
ecumenical group of churches Britain’s 47,000 churches, chapels England’s architecture and culture visitors can view the exceptional St
which work together across the and meeting houses which are at by allowing visitors free access
town, before he cuts a ribbon risk of falling into serious disrepair. to interesting properties that are John family monuments and the fa-
at 9.40am to launch heritage The church congregation hopes either not usually open, or would mous polyptych displaying the her-
events in front of Lydiard House. they will have received a positive normally charge an entrance fee. aldry of the St John family, including
At 10am outside St Mary’s decision from the Heritage Lottery Lydiard House and Walled Garden a hidden panel illustrating their
Church Archbishop Welby will Fund to grant £370,000 towards the will be open between 11am and connection with Queen Elizabeth I.
Book a place to discover more about Lydiard Park’s underground secrets
Although extensive archaeology took place during the restoration of Lydiard Park in 2004 and 2005, there are still features under the ground that
need interpretation.
On Saturday 4 October Ben Urm- The event, organised by the Friends
ston, senior geophysicist at Wessex of Lydiard Park, is a unique chance to
Archaeology, will be leading free hour find out about the fascinating results
long walks at 2pm and 3.30pm to re- using the latest survey techniques.
veal the latest discoveries in the park. Places are free, but limited.
Earlier this year Ben and his team To book contact Laura Joyner, com-
undertook further survey work munity & education officer at Wessex
funded by English Heritage to learn Archaeology on 01722 326867 or mail:
more about the long lost 17th Century [email protected].
formal gardens which preceded the • The Friends of Lydiard Park safeguard
landscape remodelled in the 1760s the future of the house and park and
which we see today. work for their continued enhance-
This geophysical archaeology adds ment. Membership costs just £10 a
to the knowledge gained from excava- year and includes free entry to Lydiard
tions undertaken by Wessex Archaeol-
ogy ten years ago in advance of the House and Walled Garden.
restoration of the park landscape. Lydiard Park from above in 2003 showing evidence in need of investigation lydiardparkfriends.org.uk

34 swindonlink.com • September 2014

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