Intrigue as potential parch marks at Milton Park expose hidden foundations of historic farm buildings

Strange markings have emerged at a park following a bout of scorching temperatures, sparking speculation they are the remains of an old farm building.

Drone footage of Milton Park, captured by My Portsmouth By Drone, has uncovered mysterious foundation marks on grassland which could be where an outbuilding sat when the land operated as Purnell Farm in the 1800s.

In July 2023 The News reported on the mysterious markings in the park which could be parch marks that commonly expose hidden underground features such as building foundations and ditches during periods of hot, dry weather.

Owned by the Goldsmith family, the land, which became part of the Milton Farm Estate in 1808, and was renamed to Middle Farm. Over the years, the estate grew in size, with the Goldsmith family acquiring pieces of land surrounding the farm including space previously owned by the Egerton family.

The estate was split up in 1911 following the death of James Goldsmith. In 1912 the Corporation of Portsmouth bought the land and reopened the site as Milton Park eleven years later.