Pippa Middleton's Manor Faces Ancient Discovery Delay

Pippa Middleton and her husband, James Matthews, are facing potential delays in their ambitious renovation project for their £15million country manor. Archaeologists have expressed concerns that the land at Barton Court estate could be home to prehistoric remains, potentially dating back thousands of years to the Palaeolithic era.

The couple submitted plans to West Berkshire Council for extensive renovations, which include building new stables, an exercise area, a greenhouse, and house extensions. However, a commissioned report highlighted the development's potential to impact unidentified archaeological features from prehistoric, medieval, and post-medieval periods.

Consultants identified the estate as an area of 'potential Palaeolithic archaeology,' with evidence of flint finds in the surrounding landscape. Nearby sites have yielded Mesolithic remains, and prehistoric flintwork has been discovered directly on the project site itself. The Kennet Valley is renowned as a significant prehistoric landscape.

Further concerns have been raised regarding the demolition of existing structures and the removal of a historic ha-ha feature, which archaeologists deem potentially harmful to heritage assets. Additionally, plans to replace the existing greenhouse could result in the loss of historic fabric, prompting a council conservation officer to advise caution. Middleton and Matthews purchased the 145-acre estate in 2022.