Uncover secrets of stately home with Redbridge archaeology group

Lizzie Dearden

Published: 9:21 AM July 19, 2013 Updated: 8:41 AM October 13, 2020

Members of the West Essex Archaeological Group at a previous excavation uncovering the circular brick feature at Old Copped Hall - Credit: Archant

Amateur archaeologists uncovering the secrets of a stately home near Epping are inviting beginners to join their latest dig.

The Redbridge-based West Essex Archaeological Group is holding taster weekends offering budding historians the chance to get their hands dirty at Copped Hall.

There was a stately house on the site as far back as the 12th century and through the years it was visited by prominent members of the aristocracy and monarchs including Henry VIII.

But the Elizabethan house fell into disrepair and in 1758 the grand Palladian mansion that stands today was completed.

The West Essex archaeologists are excavating the Old Copped Hall dating back to the Tudor period.

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People joining the taster sessions can join the project and learn excavation techniques and how to handle and interpret finds.

Member Anne Stacey said no experience is needed to get involved. She added: “A professional archaeologist will introduce participants to the methods of excavation and a team of supervisors are on hand to help.”