Somerleyton Glasshouses, Somerleyton, Suffolk. Report on Geophysical Survey, June 2025

A Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey was conducted within the Walled or Kitchen Gardens of Somerleyton Hall, Somerletyon, Lowestoft, Suffolk. The aim of the survey was to investigate the potential remains of the original Victorian heating system extending from the two ridge and furrow glasshouses and to identify any further structural remains associated with additional glasshouses or the putative heating supply for the peach frames built on the south wall of the gardens. The survey was requested by the Historic England East of England regional team to support the successful application for a Heritage at Risk Repair Grant to repair and conserve the standing glasshouses. The survey aimed to investigate the remains of the Victorian heating system associated with two ridge and furrow glasshouses currently undergoing restoration work. It was also hoped the survey might identify the remains of any additional glasshouses and the possible extension of the heating system to the peach frames on the south wall of the kitchen garden. The geophysical survey identified linear anomalies suggesting the presence of pipes and possible vaulted brickwork extending to the south of the ridge and furrow glasshouses. These may provide evidence for the presence of heated planting beds, known as 'hotbeds,' which appear to vary in design between the two glasshouses. Tentative evidence for small former structures has been identified, together with anomalies suggestive of landscape design associated with the maintenance and development of the garden. Possible pipes have also been identified across the survey area.