NOTTINGHAMSHIRE, ENGLAND—Traces of the oldest part of Clumber House, the Duke of Newcastle’s eighteenth-century mansion that was destroyed by fire in 1879, have been uncovered at Clumber Park by archaeologists from the National Trust, who are excavating ahead of the installation of new sewers and drains. Flooring made of cut stone with a cast iron grill around the perimeter that covered a heating pipe was found, along with a system of cellars that was used to store beer and wine. “The floors are in a fabulous condition and really do look as though they were only laid yesterday,” archaeologist Rachael Hall told Culture 24. After the 1879 fire, the house was rebuilt, then demolished in 1938 after another fire, World War I, and the Great Depression took their toll. “It was completely levelled, with the exception of the Duke’s Study which is the only surviving remnant of Clumber House and is now used as a dining area within the Clumber restaurant. The stables and estate yard buildings all still survive,” Hall added. To read in-depth about another excavation in England, go to "The Scientist's Garden."
