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An archaeological investigation in 2005 confirmed the site of the ice house which would have been a normal facility for many large houses like Warley Abbey. Ice would be taken from a pool in the winter and stored in the ice house, along with food. Ice would then be taken out and used as necessary during the course of the year. During the archaeological survey a brick-lined pit, which would have contained the ice, was uncovered. It was not fully excavated and may be as deep as 12 metres. It is hoped that a full excavation can take place in the future.

We recorded the memories of many people as part of an oral history project.  Very few interviewees remember the ice house, but this probably isn’t surprising as it was in an area which was out of bounds to members of the public.  David Gray remembers discovering it with friends when running away from park staff.  Otherwise, it is only remembered by staff and was largely a dumping place for rubbish.

The Community Trust has learnt about it from Roger Haslam who had worked in the park for many years.  Then it was unearthed by archaeologists and its site has been marked.  It was, as the staff had told us, full of junk, but one find was interesting – clearly one of the legs of the sundial that used to stand at the centre of the rose garden. 

You can hear David Gray talk about his adventure in the icehouse here. clip 16

Would you like to read about somewhere else on the history trail?  Go back to the main listing page.