Hot weather reveals hidden history across the South
Unusually hot and dry weather in southern England has revealed parch marks on lawns, exposing the outlines of long-lost 18th-century gardens and buildings. Sites such as Blenheim Palace and Greys Court are seeing historical footprints emerge that have been buried for centuries.
Why it matters
These environmental conditions provide a rare, non-invasive opportunity for archaeologists to map historical sites without the need for excavation.
Image source, Pete Seaward Image caption, The outline of an 18th century garden is visible on a lawn at Blenheim Palace
As the south of England continues to enjoy an unusually warm and dry summer, parch marks on lawns across the region have revealed the hidden histories of their location.
Among the sites which have seen the outlines of historic installations exposed by the hot weather are Portchester Castle and Blenheim Palace.
At Blenheim, the footprint of an 18th century garden - which had once stretched across the width of the entire palace - has revealed itself on a lawn.
Andy Mills, the Unesco World Heritage Site's head gardener, told the BBC it was "absolutely magical" to see the outlines of the historic parterre - 260 years after it was demolished.
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