About

Archaeological Experience Weekend at Copped Hall

Part of the Festival of British Archaeology

Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th July Starting time each day will be 9.30;  finish at 5.00 pm.

Cost: £60 for the weekend

(Other weekends: 20/21 and 27/28 July)

About this weekend

The Copped Hall Trust Archaeological Project (CHTAP)  offers Archaeology Experience Weekends to absolute beginners who would like an opportunity to:

 (1) Excavate on a 'live' site, where they can make an actual contribution to the archaeological investigation, and handle real artefacts from that site.

(2) Learn about several geophysics techniques, including setting up the equipment, preparing the survey area, the surveying process and reviewing the rsults of the survey. We hope to provide the opportunity to work with magnetometry, resistance and ground penetrating radar equipment.

A professional archaeologist will introduce you to excavating, stratigraphy, methods of archaeological investigation and to the geophysics processes, and you can expect to spend most of your time actually digging or surevying, assisted by supervisors who will help you as and when needed.

People of all ages (8 years and above) and backgrounds are welcome. To make the most of the weekend you need to be reasonably physically fit.   If you are below the age of 16, you will need to be accompanied by a responsible adult who has also signed up for the weekend. 

All tools will be supplied, including trowels.  You will need to bring a sandwich lunch each day;  tea, coffee and drinking water will be provided.  Flushing toilets and wash basins are a 250 metre walk from the site.  Wear suitable clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty, and strong footwear (preferably boots).
Accommodation is not available at Copped Hall, but details of nearby B&B / hotel / hostel / camping accommodation can be found on this website.  The site is just off the M25 motorway and easily accessible by car or bicycle.  Though not directly on any public-transport route, a taxi firm operates a service from Epping Station on the London underground Central Line.

There is a limit to the number of people we can accept on any one weekend, so, if you decide you want to come, please fill in the BOOKING FORM and send it off promptly with a cheque for 60 GB Pounds (made payable to The Copped Hall Trust).  For further information please contact Mr Andrew Madeley: telephone 020 8491 6514, or email coppedhalldigs@weag.org.uk 

About Copped Hall

The saving of Copped Hall has been described a number times as a miracle. In reality, it was achieved by a great deal of hard work against overwhelming odds.

Historic country houses in their parkland are one of the great cultural achievements of previous centuries. Very sadly by the 1950s, historic mansions like Copped Hall were being demolished at a rate of one every two and a half days. With their loss the centrepiece and purpose of the gardens, ancillary buildings and parkland was removed. Often all of these parts were destroyed. In the 1980s the planning authorities acted to preserve the excellent established qualities of Copped Hall and its surroundings by making them into a conservation area in 1984. English Heritage followed by listing the older parkland as Grade II*. After much campaigning the Conservators of Epping Forest (The City of London) purchased the freehold of the parkland in order to preserve and restore it. The specially formed Copped Hall Trust eventually purchased the mansion, stables and gardens in 1995.

The Conservators are committed to the restoration of the parkland, the reintroduction of animals and to the preservation of this important wildlife habitat.

In 1999 the Trust acquired the completely derelict Walled Kitchen Garden, one of the largest in Essex. After 13 years, all the undergrowth has been cleared from the garden and the glasshouses. This work has been largely carried out by volunteers. The garden is now mainly planted with produce sold locally and to visitors. One glasshouse has been restored with two others under way.

The Copped Hall Trust has made substantial progress in the last 17 years. The Racquets Court and the stables have been largely restored, together with other service buildings. Much work has been carried out clearing the gardens of non-original vegetation. Replacement trees have been planted and lawns re-seeded. Internally, the mansion is to be restored to its 1750s’ form, and since 2001 some of the roof and floor structures have been reinstated and essential structural repairs carried out. Since 1998 the Trust has been supported in its work by a Friends organisation which now has more than 1,000 members. From these members a very committed band of volunteers assists with all aspects of the project.