Uncovering royal roots: how Surrey County Archaeological Unit helped Elmbridge Museum explore the Oatlands Palace archive

31 July marks A Day in Archaeology, a nationwide celebration that focuses on the real stories behind archaeological work. From professionals to students and volunteers, people across the UK share blogs, photos, and videos that offer an insight into their daily experiences in the field.

To mark the occasion, Elmbridge Museum is proud to highlight its collaboration with the Surrey County Archaeological Unit (SCAU) on the fascinating Oatlands Palace archaeological project.

This project ties directly into the museum’s current exhibition, ‘ ‘Excavating Oatlands’, on display at the Civic Centre until January 2026. Once a grand Tudor residence built by Henry VIII for Anne of Cleves, Oatlands Palace stood in the heart of Weybridge. Today, only a single stone arch remains in a residential area but the legacy of the palace lives on through a remarkable collection of artefacts.

Between 1968 and 1984, a group of local amateur archaeologists excavated the site, unearthing everything from ornately decorated floor tiles and carved masonry to everyday household items. These finds have been part of Elmbridge Museum’s collection ever since and are now featured in the exhibition.

Originally stored in over 160 boxes, alongside hundreds of paper records, site notes, architectural plans, and maps, the archive needed modernisation. A 2012 review identified this need, and by 2019, the collection was transferred to SCAU at the Surrey History Centre in Woking.

There, the Oatlands Palace Archive Project began. Starting in 2020, a dedicated team of volunteers met weekly to work alongside SCAU staff to repackage artefacts, digitise records, and catalogue the collection. By the time the COVID-19 pandemic began, the team had already contributed over 470 hours of work. Undeterred by lockdowns, they adapted and continued their efforts remotely.

Thanks to their dedication, Elmbridge Museum can now share new insights into Tudor life through this exhibition. It’s a testament to the power of community archaeology, of how volunteers, supported by professionals, can achieve extraordinary things. It also highlights the resilience and creativity needed to keep heritage work alive during challenging times.

We warmly invite you to visit the exhibition and bring the whole family along during the school holidays. Don’t forget to check out the SCAU team’s blog about the Oatlands project. It’s an inspiring read that celebrates collaboration, discovery, and the enduring value of our shared history.

Visit the exhibition at the Civic Centre during opening hours and online. 

Read the SCAU volunteers’ blog.