Boleyn Castle uncovered

Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of the Boleyn Castle or Green Street House to use its real name.

The land on which the Boleyn Ground Stadium is built belonged to the Stratford Longthorne Abbey from 1135, the Abbey existed until the dissolution of the monasteries by King Henry VIII in 1538.

The land was then given to the King’s servant Richard Breame who built Green Street House on the estate sometime between 1538 and his death in 1546.

The house later became known locally as Boleyn Castle but since Anne Boleyn was executed in the Tower of London in 1536 it appears impossible she ever visited the house during her lifetime.

Green Street House was used as a Roman Catholic school from 1869, by the early 20th century the house became a maternity home and its grounds were leased by West Ham, who built the stadium in the grounds. Green Street House was allowed to deteriorate until it was demolished in the mid fifties.

John Gould, an Archaeological Adviser for Historic England involved in the dig told Claret and Hugh:

“Archaeologist are interested in excavating elite households, the plan has been to uncover material from the rubbish pits that throw light on the social life of both the elite and their servants. You have to ask how many other mansion houses have been excavated in Newham. Eventually the finds and artefacts should end up in the Museum of London or a local museum.”