Amateur historians from the Collyweston Preservation and Historical Society have unearthed parts of a lost Tudor palace buried under the ground in central England. The palace, which has been passed down through generations of residents, was said to have hosted royal processions and the presence of a king’s mother. Despite fading memories of the palace’s exact location, historians from the University of York have verified their findings.
Chris Close, president of the Collyweston Preservation and Historical Society, led efforts to uncover the palace walls and foundations through research, map reviews, and ground-penetrating radar scans. With roots in Collyweston dating back 400 years, Close felt a personal connection to the project.
The excavation efforts have sparked excitement in the local community and attracted new members. Volunteers ranging from young professionals to retirees joined in on digs to uncover more of the palace’s history. The ultimate goal is to create a digital model of the palace that will be displayed in a small museum within the town church. Although they face challenges and limitations, they remain determined to solve the mysteries of Tudor palaces and share their significance with the world.
