Bowling ball, 17th Century

A well preserved wooden bowling ball discovered during an archaeological investigation by Swindon Archaeological Society, in the area of the lower lake at Lydiard Park in 1972. The ball dates to the 17th Century when bowling was a popular pastime for the landed gentry.

There is evidence that Lydiard's early terraced gardens included a bowling green, next to the formal canal. In the 18th Century the straight edged canal was given more naturalistic contours but a long flat strip of grass is still visible at the base of the main lawn.

The bowling ball was found amongst other items including the remains of leather shoes, wine bottles and pottery, all dating to the 17th and 18th centuries.