Surrey Archaeological Collections
Surrey Archaeological Society, 2003. (updated 2023) https://doi.org/10.5284/1000221. How to cite using this DOI
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- ADS Collection: 379
- DOI:https://doi.org/10.5284/1000221
- How to cite using this DOI
SURREY ARCHAEOLOGICAL COLLECTIONS
The archbishopâs great stable: excavations and historical research at the Old Palace School, Croydon, 1999
This report summarises the results of a series of archaeological investigations at two sites within the grounds of Old Palace School in Croydon. The school occupies some of the extant historic buildings of the former palace or manor of the archbishops of Canterbury, which are mainly late 14th to early 16th century in date. Archaeological excavation in 1999 prior to the construction of a new Preparatory School building to the north of the historic buildings has added to information from earlier excavations carried out on the site in 1970 (Drewett 1971; 1974). Further evidence was uncovered for two substantial buildings. The earliest with flint and chalk wall foundations, probably Archbishop Arundelâs âgreatâ stable completed in 1399/1400, was replaced by a brick stable, probably built by Sir William Brereton in the 1640s or 1650s. Archaeological evaluation and watching brief work prior to and during the construction of an indoor swimming pool to the east of the historic school buildings revealed a number of walls, which appear to be connected with the pleasure and kitchen gardens of the former palace. Documentary research has been undertaken to assist with the interpretation of the excavated remains in both areas and to set them within the development of the whole palace complex.
