True’s Talk: From Rat’s Nests to Witch Bottles – The Underfloor Archaeology of Oxburgh Hall by Matt Champion

The first of our True’s Talk Series, Matt Champion will be sharing his exciting finds from under the floorboards at Oxburgh Hall.

In 2016, without warning, one of the nineteenth century dormer windows at the Tudor mansion of Oxburgh Hall slid off the roof and landed in the courtyard below. It soon became apparent that it wasn’t just the window that was in need of attention, leading to a six million pound conservation and restoration programme. Archaeological recording undertaken as part of the project soon began to make some remarkable discoveries, shedding new light on the early history of this important Norfolk house. Many thousands of items were found concealed beneath the floorboards. From Tudor textiles hidden in an ancient rats nest, to a 500 year old medieval manuscript, and a book of psalms possibly hidden by Catholics fearing persecution.

To attend in person, please pop into the museum, call 01553 770479 or email outreach@truesyard.co.uk

To attend online, please book here: