The Enfield Archaeological Society is active in carrying out research and fieldwork in and around the borough to understand and preserve its history.
Elsyng Revealed: discover your local Tudor Palace
Elsyng, in the grounds of Forty Hall Estate, was a royal palace well known to Tudor and Stuart kings and queens. 500 years later, it was rediscovered.
During the summer of 2022, a professionally led community excavation with volunteers, gave opportunity to engage Enfield residents with the site and the artefacts that were found there.
A reconstruction of Elsyng Palace created by John Pinchbeck
The first excavation at Elsyng in 1963
The excavation in the summer 2022, led by Enfield Archaeological Society and community volunteers. Photo credit: Terrence Kelly
Among the artefacts found were fragments of German wine bottles, an iron key, copper alloy buckles, a dress fastener and much more. You can view some of these objects below.
A fragment of Penn tile. The Penn tileries formed the most extensive, successful, and well-organised commercial tile industry in medieval Britain.
A key found as part of the excavation. Photo credit: Tina Plevriti.
A fragment of goblet glass. Photo credit: Tina Plevriti.
A fragment of London delftware tile, a type of tin-glazed pottery made in Britain from approximately the mid-16th century to the late 18th century. Photo credit: Tina Plevriti.
Information about the project has been shared through publications, a documentary film (which can be viewed below), and oral histories exploring the memories of the Enfield Archaeological Society and the excavation at Elsyng over the past 60 years.
'Elsyng Palace' by Enfield Archaeological Society
A film funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Enfield Council.