Castles and Historic Buildings

When archaeologists started work on the site of the pond in the grounds of Attingham Park they discovered previously unknown facts about its construction. They also discovered a huge lead plug, which was used to retain the pond's water during the 1700s.

The lake in the park, which is in Atcham, drained away during the long hot summer of 1976, when the clay lining cracked.

Attingham Park's Head Warden Bob Thurston said the lake had originally been a quarry hole created when glacial material called 'hoggin' was excavated to form the famous Mile Walk in the park.

Thurston said the dip had been lined with clay from another pit in the grounds and filled with water. The lead plug was put in the bottom: "It was designed so that you could empty the pond from time to time."

Now that the archaeologists have finished excavating the old pool, more of the 'hoggin' (a mix of sand, gravel and clay) has been dug out to repair and finish off the Mile Walk.

Bob said the lake will be re-lined and filled with water: "It will be a valuable resource for wildlife and for children who will be welcome to enjoy our pond dipping platform and boardwalk on education trips."