Pippa Middleton‘s ambitious plans to renovate her £15million country manor are at risk of being derailed after archaeologists warned the land could be home to prehistoric remains dating back thousands of years.
Experts have raised concerns that proposed building works at the sprawling Barton Court estate could disturb relics from the Palaeolithic era – when cavemen roamed the area.
The Princess of Wales‘ younger sister and her husband, financier James Matthews, have submitted a planning application to West Berkshire Council to renovate the Grade II-listed property, including building new stables, a horse exercise area, a greenhouse and extensions to the main house.
But a report commissioned to assess the site warned the development ‘has the potential to impact on hitherto unidentified archaeology’ from the prehistoric, medieval and post-medieval periods.
Consultants from Heritage Planning Services said the estate, near the Kennet Valley village of Kintbury, sits within an area of ‘potential Palaeolithic archaeology’, with evidence already identified through boreholes and flint finds across the surrounding landscape.
They said Mesolithic remains – including flint scatters and semi-permanent campsites – have previously been uncovered nearby, while prehistoric flintwork has been found directly on the project site itself.
Medieval remains may also lie beneath the grounds, the report added.
Pippa Middleton’s ambitious plans to renovate her £15million country manor are at risk of being derailed after archaeologists warned the land could be home to prehistoric remains dating back thousands of years. Pictured: James Middleton and his sister Pippa Middleton
Experts have raised concerns that proposed building works at the sprawling Barton Court estate (pictured) could disturb relics from the Palaeolithic era – when cavemen roamed the area
Ms Middleton and Mr Matthews moved into the 145-acre estate with their three children in 2022 after buying it from the late Sir Terence Conran
The Kennet Valley is considered one of Britain’s most important prehistoric landscapes, with a 12-mile stretch of the river between Kintbury and Aldermaston known for early hunter-gatherer sites dating back as far as 14,000 years.
Archaeologists warned that the removal of the raised garden and historic ha-ha feature, along with the demolition of existing structures, ‘may be considered harmful to a non-designated heritage asset’ and recommended further investigation during construction.
Concerns were also raised over plans to replace the estate’s existing greenhouse, with a council conservation officer warning this would result in the loss of historic fabric and cause ‘some harm’ to the site.
Ms Middleton and Mr Matthews moved into the 145-acre estate with their three children in 2022 after buying it from the late Sir Terence Conran, who had painstakingly restored the Georgian property after purchasing it as a wreck in the 1970s.
Pippa Middleton and James Matthews were approached for comment.
