Fenland & Wash Group Beachamwell Hall Working Party

Event details

Beachamwell Hall Working Party - Saturday 22 – Sunday 23 March

A weekend for a small group of volunteers to search for a subterranean building in the grounds, which has been lost to memory. Join us as we explore two potential locations of the historic icehouse or game larder.

This one- to two-day event is for a small group of volunteers to explore the grounds and search for evidence of a subterranean building thought to be an icehouse. Two locations have been identified as worth exploring. Those with archaeological expertise are welcome, in particular to help ‘recording’.

Beachamwell Hall near Swaffham, Norfolk was a pre-18th century hall, subsequently enlarged and updated. The Hall burnt down in 1902 and was rebuilt on the same footprint in 1905 by the architects Whimpers & Best. The 18th century stables and washhouse survive and it is believed that a subterranean icehouse (or game larder), which appears in written records, may survive somewhere on the site.

No full excavation can take place until a risk assessment has been carried out and a future date set for professional supervision.
This event is for anyone who wants to get their hands dirty, learn new skills, and help to save a piece of history. We would particularly welcome involvement from anyone with archaeological expertise to help with recording.

You will need

• Sturdy footwear
• Sturdy clothing
• PPE - hard hat / high viz
• Spades
• A notebook
• A camera
• A measuring tape
• Your own lunch

Teas, coffee and biscuits are supplied but please bring your own lunch

How to get there

Beachamwell Hall
Swaffham
Norfolk
PE37 8BQ

From the West, drive towards Marham airfield on the A1122 and just before the air base turn off right at the sign for Beachamwell onto White Road. Go straight ahead at the crossroads and approx. 1,000 meters further on the right are two brick pillars and a wall, which is the entrance to Beachamwell Hall.

Accessibility

• Uneven surfaces
• Significant periods of standing, walking and kneeling
• Time spent working outdoors
• Loud noises
• Animals roaming freely
• No / limited heating
• Catering for dietary restrictions, if indicated on the booking form

Anything we can do to make this event more accessible for you? Please email membership@spab.org.uk.

We may take photos or videos at this event to be used in future promotion, including in print and online.

All bookings are subject to our Terms and Conditions. 

Photo credit: Beachamwell Hall (Public Domain)