New Hall School, Essex (Time Team Palaces Special) Archaeological Evaluation Report

In February 2009 Oxford Archaeology conducted an archaeological evaluation of a site at New Hall School, Chelmsford, Essex on behalf of Videotext Communications
Ltd, 49 Goldhawk Road, London, W12 8QP , as a part of Channel 4 documentary Henry VIII's Lost Palaces: a Time Team Special.
Three evaluation trenches were excavated in order to establish the extent, condition and date range of archaeological remains of a Tudor Palace of New Hall (otherwise known as Beaulieu Palace). The trench location addressed the specific Project Aims outlined for three major areas of investigation: the Gatehouse, the Chapel and the West Wing (Trenches 1,2 and 3 respectively).
Trench 1 produced evidence for several phases of activity. A number of possible prehistoric pits was found as well as remains of a medieval wall pre-dating the Tudor
gatehouse. The main body of evidence was represented by the extant brick foundation walls of Tudor Gatehouse and related remains of cobble surface of the
courtyard.
Trench 2 revealed substantial brick foundations for the south eastern corner of the Tudor Chapel, along with internal walls and related construction debris. The east
wall of the chapel was built before the south wall. The latter butted up to the east wall rather than being bonded into it. Evidence for mortar floor sub-base and
extensive levelling was found. The evidence for extensive World War II bomb damage was also found.
Trench 3 revealed brick foundations for the wall of the western façade and two bay windows of the western range of the Palace. Two small rooms with brick floors and
integral drains were revealed immediately behind the windows suggesting s change of plan during construction. Evidence for further changes including the insertion of
an additional drain was noted. A modern pit containing large amount of worked stone derived from the bomb damage was found in the north-eastern part of the trench.
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