Border Archaeology (BA) has undertaken an Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment in connection with a new side extension in the area of the existing garage and alterations to the rear lightwell and patio at 10 Pembroke Villas The Green Richmond TW9 1QF. Border Archaeology (BA) has undertaken an Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment in connection with a new side extension in the area of the existing garage and alterations to the rear lightwell and patio at 10 Pembroke Villas The Green Richmond TW9 1QF. The results of the assessment are summarised thus: Prehistoric: The potential for encountering evidence of prehistoric activity within the site can be assessed as Low to Moderate. While no prehistoric findspots are recorded within the study area, the overlying geology of the site is conducive to the preservation of paleoenvironmental evidence and associated with prehistoric settlement. Additionally, several prehistoric findspots are recorded within the Richmond Town Archaeological Priority Area (APA); however, these recorded finds do not provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate prehistoric settlement within the vicinity of the site. Romano-British: The potential for encountering archaeological deposits or features associated with Romano-British activity has been assessed as being as Low to Moderate. This assessment reflects the fact that while only a single findspot is recorded within the study area, residual finds of Romano-British pottery have been identified marginally outside the study area and a Romano-British settlement is recorded just over the river, suggesting some potential for evidence of activity to be encountered within the site. Medieval: The potential for encountering archaeological deposits or features associated with medieval activity has been assessed as being High. The site is located within the Manor of Shene, to the northeast of the medieval manor house and later royal palace. It also lies to the immediate northwest of Richmond Green, an area used for jousting and archery contests. Features, and potentially structures, associated with the palace and The Green may therefore be encountered within the site. Moreover, some early 17th century sources indicate built development within or close to the site and that watercourses supplying the palace and nearby charterhouse were located in the area, suggesting that there may have been structures within the site by at least the late medieval period. The site is also noted to lie to the south of a park established in the 15th century between the royal palace and the charterhouse and extended in the 17th century. However, subsequent building and landscaping activity has been carried out within or near the site, which includes the construction and demolition of a late 17th century house and its associated gardens, the opening of a railway and the construction of Pembroke Villas. It is therefore considered likely that these works have disturbed any earlier archaeological deposits to some extent and it is noted that two archaeological watching briefs undertaken at the adjacent properties of Nos. 8 and 9 Pembroke Villas identified only post-medieval rubble and a Victorian rubbish pit. Any discoveries associated with medieval activity could be considered to have High significance, providing further evidence of the character and extent of medieval activity in the immediate vicinity of a prominent royal palace during the period, as well as informing an understanding of the palace and its relationship to and impact upon its immediate setting. Post-medieval: The potential to encounter evidence of post-medieval activity within the site can be assessed as High. This assessment reflects the location of the site in an area to the northwest of Richmond Green. Early 17th century historic mapping shows a row of buildings in this area and by the end of the century Fitzwilliam House and its associated gardens had been established.
E Bishop (Mon,) studied this question.