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OA South continues to undertake regular work on the buildings of Hampton Court Palace.
External and internal archaeological investigations were undertaken as part of a project to understand the structural integrity of the former Tudor Close Tennis Court, which was converted to accommodation for the Duke of York in 1670. This work included a full roof survey and the lifting of many floorboards and was vital to inform the conservation of the already fragile building.
On Base Court, OA completed an excavation ahead of restoration work. Research showed that in the time of Henry VIII the courtyard had a cobbled surface, which was replaced around 1700 by paving. Historic Royal Palaces wished to re-pave it in stone in time for the 500th anniversary of Henry’s coronation.
OA also carried out recording and investigation works in Great Hall Court as part of ongoing replacement of brickwork and late 19th century pointing, which is causing the damage to the Tudor brickwork.
The Anne Boleyn Gatehouse underwent an extensive programme of repairs and conservation. OA South was involved in all the works and provided a watching brief for the removal and eventual re-installation of the famous Astronomical Clock or exploring turrets which had been blocked for many years.
