Developing an understanding of the evolution and structure of an archaeological or historic site is an important first step towards deciding future measures for its conservation, care and presentation. Surveys can include desk studies to assemble documentary information, site surveys to measure and record surviving features, and condition surveys to identify vulnerable elements and areas of potential deterioration.
Selected Projects
Greenway, South Devon
Although well known as Agatha Christie’s much-loved summer home, Greenway has a much longer history. Occupying a wonderful position beside the River Dart, the Georgian mansion replaced an earlier house of the late 16th century. Greenway has had a succession of horticulturalist owners, many with strong Cornish connections, including Carlyon of Tregrehan, Bolitho of Trewidden and Williams of Caerhays. Each has left a fascinating legacy of garden development, with traces of all periods still to be found in today’s beautiful garden.
Client: National Trust
Chedworth Roman Villa, Gloucestershire
Judith undertook documentary research of the history of the site occupied by Chedworth Roman Villa. Historic changes to the landscape were presented as a series of date-sequence maps. Possible visual relationships between the Roman villa and its surrounding landscape were analysed. The present day site conditions and conservation problems were assessed and summarised, as a necessary preliminary step to up-grading the presentation of the site.
Client: The National Trust
English Heritage properties: Condition Surveys
Working as part of a specialist team, Judith has undertaken condition surveys of many historic landscapes in the SW of England that are in the custodianship of English Heritage. Sites have ranged from prehistoric monuments, the landscapes associated with castles and historic houses, and the sites of ruined medieval abbeys and churches.
Client: English Heritage
Lead Consultant: Philip Hughes Associates
Judith Teasdale 