Syon Monastery - Archaeological Excavations

Archaeological Excavations

Syon House remains in 2010 the London seat of the Dukes of Northumberland. Foundations of the Monastery Church lying to the immediate east of Syon House were partially uncovered in excavations starting in summer 2003, made by Channel 4's Time Team programme, broadcast on 4 January 2004. The programme highlighted mediaeval masonry blocks in the foundation wall of the north Wing as evidence that the west end of the church may have been incorporated into the current house built by Protector Somerset. However, subsequent sweeping of the floor demonstrated that the Tudor floor surface continued underneath the wall, suggesting that the mediaeval blocks were simply reused when this wing was rebuilt in 1820. So far there is no evidence on the exact length of the Church or whether it does actually extend under Syon House. Further excavations by Birkbeck, University of London have continued from 2004-2011.