Ancient house buried at Hampton Court

THE oldest building at Hampton Court Palace has been unearthed by archaeologists.

Remains of the 14th century structure were discovered in Base Court during a two-month excavation at Henry VIII's residence.

The building is believed to predate other finds at the palace by almost 200 years and has been undiscovered for 500 years.

The discovery was made during the biggest excavation project at the palace, which is part of the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII's accession to the throne.

The excavations revealed the stone foundations and walls of a substantial medieval structure.Early findings indicate it could be a barn that belonged to the Knights Hospitaller of St John of Jerusalem, a religious order founded in the 11th century.

Archaeologists also found evidence of a fire in the building, which was possibly accidentally caused by King Edward III. A palace spokesman said: "While curators suspected that medieval buildings were in the area the extent, location and nature of these buildings remained unknown until archaeologists carefully uncovered the physical evidence that has remained quietly hidden beneath the feet of millions of visitors."

Experts are also studying a medieval water feature with 500-year-old lead plumbing still in evidence.