Ep 6. A Palace Sold for Scrap, Rycote, Oxfordshire

In the episode A Palace Sold for Scrap, Rycote, Oxfordshire, the Time Team travels to the ruins of Rycote Palace, a grand estate that was once owned by Sir Henry Lee, the champion jouster for Queen Elizabeth I. The palace had been sold for scrap in the 18th century, and all that remains are the foundations and some scattered ruins.

The team begins their investigation by using ground-penetrating radar to map out the layout of the palace, then they set up several trenches to excavate the site. Their goal is to find any evidence of how the palace was laid out and how it was used, as well as any artifacts that can shed light on the life of Sir Henry Lee and his court.

As they start digging, the team finds a number of interesting discoveries. One trench reveals a series of interconnected rooms that were probably used for storage and as workshops. Another uncovers the remains of a building that was likely a chapel, complete with a number of decorative tiles.

Using historical records and timelines, the team is able to determine that some of the features of the palace were added by Sir Henry Lee, while others were added by a later owner. They also find artifacts that give them a sense of what life was like at the palace, including pottery shards, buttons, and fragments of glass.

Along the way, the team faces a number of challenges. Heavy rain nearly floods one of their trenches, forcing them to pump out the water and shore up the sides. They also have to deal with some unexpected obstacles, such as a large stone that seems to be blocking one of their trenches.

Despite these setbacks, the team is able to make some major breakthroughs. They find evidence of a large kitchen area, complete with ovens and a hearth, as well as a possible courtyard where jousting tournaments may have taken place. They also uncover a number of personal items, such as a thimble and a needle, that may have belonged to the palace's residents.

As the episode comes to a close, the team reflects on what they have learned about Rycote Palace and Sir Henry Lee. They marvel at the grandeur of the estate and the skill of the craftsmen who built it, and they are impressed by the many complexities of daily life during that time period.

Overall, A Palace Sold for Scrap, Rycote, Oxfordshire is a fascinating look at the history of a grand estate that has been lost to time. By using modern technology and historical research, the Time Team is able to uncover new insights into the layout and use of the palace, as well as the lives of the people who lived there.