West Essex Archaeological Group - WEAG

West Essex Archaeological Group - WEAG West Essex Archaeological Group, formed in 1958 by Dr. E Rudge, is a local community archaeological society, affiliated with LAMAS and the CBA.

Find us in Instagram WEAG (Registered charity number - 263486) was formed by Dr. Ernest Rudge, then Principal of West Ham College, and a number of amateur archaeologists and
historians

Together with our colleagues at Copped Hall who run sessions for young visitors, WEAG is working to create a set of educational programmes for groups of visitors from schools and coll

eges who want to understand what is involved in archaeological investigations and possibly to visit an actual working site.The Group also organises monthly lectures during the academic year. WEAG had organised and carried out excavations in West Essex since the 1960's. In the early days our most important excavation was of the Romano-British temple at Harlow. During the construction of the M11 motorway the Group excavated several sites revealed by the work, and prior to the construction of the M25 the Group, in cooperation with other similar groups in Essex and Hertfordshire, carried out field-walking along the proposed route. Considerable work was carried out on the Romano-British settlement at Little London, near Abridge. The Group has often worked with the Waltham Abbey Historical Society at Waltham Abbey and maintains close links with the Epping Forest District Museum and the Museum of Harlow. Currently, WEAG is excavating at Copped Hall on behalf of the Copped Hall Trust, investigating the remains of the 16th Century Tudor Mansion.

11/08/2026

💍 New Acquisition: Early Medieval Gold Ring from Matching 💍

We're delighted to share one of the museum's newest acquisitions is now on display thanks to the generous support of heritage organisations and donors.

Discovered by a metal detectorist in the parish of , east of , this remarkable early medieval ring is crafted from a thin gold sheet and decorated using the cloisonné technique. Intricate gold wirework encloses carefully shaped pieces of red garnet and white quartz, creating a highly skilled design.

Objects of this quality were likely worn by people of high status, serving as symbols of wealth, authority, and personal identity. At its centre is a motif that may depict a bird in flight, an image that could have held meaning in both pagan and early Christian traditions.

As the first ring of its kind discovered in the district, this exceptional find is of national importance and provides a fascinating glimpse into early medieval .

📍 Visit Epping Forest District Museum to see it for yourself.

Essex Portable Antiquities Scheme Arts Council England Art Fund Waltham Abbey Historical Society West Essex Archaeological Group - WEAG

💍✨

11/08/2026

🏺 Last Few Places Available! Archaeology Talk Tomorrow Evening 🏺

Join us for tomorrow evening for a fascinating journey into the past as the West Essex Archaeological Group (WEAG) shares discoveries from their excavations at Durolitum, near Chigwell.

🎤 Talk by Lee Joyce and Tony O'Connor
📅 Wednesday 12 August
⏰ 7.00pm to 8.00pm (doors open 6.45pm)
📍 Epping Forest District Museum, Waltham Abbey
🎟️ £7 per person

Discover the story of one of Essex's most important Roman sites and hear directly from those involved in exploring its archaeology.

☕ Drinks and refreshments available.

To book: 📧 [email protected]
📞 01992 716882
Or book online: https://www.ticketsource.com/efdmuseum

Don't miss this opportunity to hear about your district's Roman heritage!

Escaping the heat on site with a lecture on non invasive archaeology this afternoon
09/08/2026

Escaping the heat on site with a lecture on non invasive archaeology this afternoon

As we embark on our final archaeology weekend course here are some photos for the second weekend course. Glorious weathe...
08/08/2026

As we embark on our final archaeology weekend course here are some photos for the second weekend course. Glorious weather and some beautiful artefacts that have really helped and changed our understanding of when the gardens at Copped Hall were altered. Brilliant progress despite very dry and hard clay to dig through.

Found an old drawing done by one of our members! Archaeology cartoons always welcome...
09/07/2026

Found an old drawing done by one of our members! Archaeology cartoons always welcome...

Do pop along and say hello to your local archaeologists today!We have books for sale, artefacts to handle and a family s...
05/07/2026

Do pop along and say hello to your local archaeologists today!

We have books for sale, artefacts to handle and a family sorting activity of archaeological material.

We are looking forward to seeing you and your artefacts

We are pleased to say we will be at the Epping Town Show tomorrow! Do pop by and say hello, learn about our archaeology ...
04/07/2026

We are pleased to say we will be at the Epping Town Show tomorrow!

Do pop by and say hello, learn about our archaeology work at Copped Hall and have a go at sorting some artefacts. If you have artefacts to be identified please do bring them along!

We had a wonderful day at Harlow Museum today! Such a brilliant event
04/07/2026

We had a wonderful day at Harlow Museum today! Such a brilliant event

Only 3 spaces left on our archaeology weekends this Summer. Book now to avoid disappointment!ArchaeologyUK The Copped Ha...
25/06/2026

Only 3 spaces left on our archaeology weekends this Summer. Book now to avoid disappointment!

ArchaeologyUK The Copped Hall Trust

11/05/2026

**NEXT TALK AT THE MUSEUM!**

Join us on Wednesday 13 May for a talk by Dr Carolina Rangel de Lima, Project Curator for the British Museum's 'Legion: Life in the Roman Army' exhibition and Doctoral Researcher at the University of Reading.

Dr Rangel de Lima will explore what life was really like for soldiers in the Roman army — a world defined by strict discipline, relentless training, and demanding physical labour. With legionaries serving for 25 years, the role was challenging and often ruthless, yet it offered security, status, and honour.

Doors open 7-8pm, 6.45pm. £7.00 pp. Drinks and refreshments available. Book here- https://www.ticketsource.com/efdmuseum/talk-life-in-the-roman-army/p-eborbj, email us at [email protected] OR phone us at 01992 716882.

West Essex Archaeological Group - WEAG Waltham Abbey Town Council The Waltham Abbey Guide Visit Waltham Abbey Waltham Abbey Historical Society Nazeing History Nazeing Parish Council Ongar Town Council

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Usually Found In Waterlogged Trenches Or Drinking Tea At Copped Hall
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