Lost historic garden rediscovered at A la Ronde

A lost historic garden at National Trust’s A la Ronde in Exmouth is being brought back into the spotlight with a new exhibition, Digging Deeper, opening on 4 March.

The display showcases remarkable archaeological finds that reveal the once-forgotten landscape of this unique 18th-century estate.

Inspired by Mary Parminter’s 1849 handwritten will, which details features such as an urn, obelisk, fountain, Shellary, hot house, greenhouses, and a sundial, the exhibition explores the search for these lost elements.

Her descriptions prompted a major excavation in 2023, led by National Trust archaeologist Jim Parry, to uncover physical traces of the estate’s past.

Over the summer, a team of 90 volunteers excavated two trenches on the ha-ha lawn, unearthing lost architectural features and a perimeter path.

Among the discoveries were an ancient worked flint, early modern ceramics, and structural remains that offered new insights into the estate’s layout.

The project drew support from the local community, including members of the Lympstone and Exmouth Historical Societies, the Exmouth Deaf Academy, and students from the University of Exeter.

Further excavations in 2024 at the bee garden revealed fragments of shell-embedded plaster - similar to the decoration in A la Ronde’s famed Shell Gallery - along with large crystals. These finds suggest the possible remains of the ‘Shellary’ mentioned in Mary’s will, deepening the intrigue surrounding the historic gardens.

The Digging Deeper exhibition will feature artifacts from the 2023 and 2024 excavations alongside earlier finds from 1995, offering visitors a glimpse into the estate’s evolving history.

A section of a demolished obelisk will also be on display, and interactive exhibits will allow guests to step into the shoes of an archaeologist.

Jim Parry hailed the excavation as a resounding success. ‘The project has uncovered fascinating elements of A la Ronde’s landscape while also forging new connections within the community. It has inspired a deeper commitment to exploring the hidden history of this remarkable site.’

Visitors can explore the exhibition upstairs in the house from 4 March to 2 November, Tuesday to Sunday, and take a step back in time to rediscover a landscape once thought lost to history.