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An archaeological dig at Rainham Hall has revealed clues about the building's history dating back to the early 18th century.
An archaeological dig at Rainham Hall has revealed clues about the building's history dating back to the early 18th century.
The dig saw a team of 24 volunteers join archaeologists to explore the Grade II* listed Georgian National Trust house.
Among their most unusual finds was a plant border made from animal bones in the garden.
Local historian Keith Langridge, one of the volunteers, speculated that this may be an indication of some 18th century thriftiness.
Original owner Captain John Harle had many staff on site because his personal and commercial exploits were conducted in close quarters, as was common at the time.
Mr Langridge suggested the bones, believed to be from sheep and cattle, could have been leftovers of meat cooked in large quantities to sustain the workers.
However National Trust archaeologist Gary Marshall, one of the co-ordinators...