Tudor Blockhouse Community Excavation on Mersea Island

Mersea Blockhouse Reconstruction copyright Peter Kent

Ten weeks ago, we announced an exciting new community excavation on Mersea Island. Today as we reflect on the project, it’s hard to believe how quickly those weeks passed.

Our aim was to excavate and record the Tudor Blockhouse at Cudmore Grove Country Park before coastal erosion claimed more of its archaeological story. What followed was a challenging, fascinating and successful excavation made incredibly special by the people we met along the way.

Volunteers excavating on site. 

We were truly overwhelmed by the response when we put out the call for volunteers. Every person brought something unique to the project, whether archaeological experience, local knowledge, stories passed down through generations, expertise in identifying clay tobacco pipes or even a keen eye for local shells. We learned just as much from our volunteers as they did from us and we hope everyone who took part enjoyed sharing in this important piece of Mersea’s heritage.

From day one, we were welcomed warmly by the local community and built connections that continue long after the excavation has finished. Many of the volunteers who joined us in the field, helped process finds or supported our outreach activities are still involved today, regularly visiting our offices at Roman Circus House to help work through the remarkable quantity of artefacts uncovered during the dig.

Exciting discoveries by volunteers on site. 

This fantastic project, organised by Place Services at Essex County Council, brought together members of the local community and veterans through Operation Nightingale. It was funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and supported by Historic England through the Countryside Stewardship Heritage Service.

Beyond the archaeological results, the project demonstrated the value of community archaeology. Over 70 volunteers were involved in various stages of the excavation, from uncovering and recording features in the field to washing, sorting and marking finds afterwards. Their enthusiasm, commitment and willingness to share their own knowledge enriched the project immeasurably and helped create a lasting connection between the excavation and the local community.

While some finds have already been sent to external specialists for further study, the majority are now being analysed by our in-house specialist team. The excavation may be over, but the story of the Tudor Blockhouse is still unfolding.

Finds processing in the Finds Tent at Roman Circus House.

While the excavation set out to record a vulnerable historic site, one of its most enduring legacies will be the community that formed around it. New friendships were made, skills were shared and many volunteers have continued their involvement long after the site has been backfilled. Their contribution has ensured that the story of the Tudor Blockhouse will be preserved not only through the archaeological record, but through the people who helped uncover it.

To everyone who volunteered, visited, shared their knowledge or supported the project in any way, we thank you. You have helped preserve an important part of Mersea’s history for future generations.

There is much more to come, and we look forward to sharing the story with you as the post-excavation work progresses.

Various types of outreach activities offered during our time on site.