Oatlands Palace was built in Weybridge by King Henry VIII in 1537 for his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves. Over the years, subsequent monarchs used Oatlands until it was demolished in 1652. Since then, the land where the Palace once stood has passed through the hands of some notable owners.
Despite this rich past, little was known about the history of Oatlands Palace before its demolition. This lost landmark sparked local interest and the Oatlands Palace Excavation Committee (OPEC) was formed. They conducted a series of archaeological digs between 1968 and 1973, and then again in 1983.
Featuring artefacts unearthed during these excavations, this exhibition highlights the importance of amateur archaeology and provides a unique insight into what life was like at the Palace during Tudor times.
Excavating Oatlands can be viewed during the Civic Centre’s open hours, which are –
