Site Event/Activity record ECH6273 - Archaeological Building Assessment of Carden Park, Chester

An examination of standing building remains was undertaken in 2002 at the site of the former Carden Hall in advance of its redevelopment, including a new building and landscaping of surrounding grounds. The report focuses on an assessment of the following elements: the tunnel, the cellar, the standing walling to the west and a section of Ha-ha. The document concludes that Carden Park underwent a major series of renovations and extensions in the first decade of the 20th century. It seems likely that the cellar and tunnel were constructed at this time. Their conditon, at time of this survey, was considered poor. The standing walling to the west of the house site represents a reconstruction of the probable kitchen court associated with the 20th century re-buidling. The Ha-ha most likely dates from between the later 18th century and 1839. It is during this time that the park appears to be established at Carden. The Ha-ha was required to prevent enclosed animals within the park from entering the gardens. As part of the current re-development of the site, a section of the Ha-ha will be realigned and its entire length will be restored. (1)