Archaeology, Architecture and Buildings

This collection brings together archaeological and building materials from the palace buildings, their gardens and estates.

It includes about 4,500 groups of archaeological objects records and a smaller, but significant collection of architectural and building items. Many of the archaeological finds come from surveys and building projects, undertaken during buildings conservation and development by Historic Royal Palaces and its predecessors.

The objects document the history of the places and people over more than one thousand years, including Roman and Anglo-Saxon times, as well as some lost buildings, including Henry VIII’s Whitehall Palace.

They help us understand the buildings and people, especially many workers, residents and visitors who are otherwise unknown from official records. The objects assist with aiding our conservation work.

The collection includes significant building features and decoration which remain located in the buildings and gardens, such as sculpture and metalwork. There are original and unrestored objects preserved during essential repairs or replacement of buildings and gardens features over time. Many of these were designed or made by renowned architects, craftspeople and artists. They are a fascinating and useful physical record of the history of the palaces as well as being wonderful works of art and craft skills, that we use in our displays and education programmes.

The collection has a huge range of everyday objects, coins, tools, building materials and decoration and unidentified human remains. It includes a unique collection of  rare and historic graffiti. The discovery or removal, recording and retention of these, follow UK planning heritage and laws and guidelines which are incorporated into Historic Royal Palaces’ policies.