Archaeologists discover the original ruins of Lathom House

Aug 13 2009 by Gemma Jaleel, Ormskirk Advertiser

Archaeologists discover the original ruins of Lathom House

ARCHAEOLOGISTS excavating the site of Lathom House have discovered what is described as ‘the most significant finding for a century’.

Paul Kenyon, a trustee of the Lathom Park Trust, told the Advertiser that they had unearthed the ruins of the original Lathom House which was ripped down in 1645 after the civil war.

Paul said: “During the first siege in 1644, the seventh Earl of Derby, James Stanley was sent by the King to the Isle of Man and his wife, Charlotte de la Tremouille was left to defend the house against the Parliamentary forces.

“After the first siege, Lord and Lady Derby left Lathom and went to the Isle of Man and the house fell into the hands of Parliament who tore the building down, selling the timber, lead and masonry.”

Paul explained that in 1722 the Stanleys sold Lathom House to Sir Thomas Bootle who commissioned Giacomo Leoni to design a new Lathom House in a palladium style, the west wing of which still stands today.

“No one knew where the original building stood until now. We have been excavating the site for three weeks and have discovered Tudor brickwork and cobbled courtyard paths.”

Hundreds of visitors were invited to the site on Saturday to observe the work being undertaken by archaeologists, volunteers and trustees.

So far, numerous artefacts have been found including a cannon ball, buckles, buttons and a bowl thought to date back to the 16th century.

Paul said: “The next step now is to label all the artefacts and collate all the information.”

l If you would like to find out more about Lathom Park Trust visit www.lathom-park-trust.org.uk