PCA Norwich undertook a final programme of archaeological monitoring at Oxburgh Hall in 2022, having previously undertaken monitoring of draining works and historic building recording at the Hall. Drainage repairs were monitored  during the most recent phase of works, with archaeological supervision required during the hand excavation of two repair pits, each measuring 0.4 x 0.4m, by contractors. These were located within the Hall’s courtyard, and it was thus deemed possible that evidence of earlier courtyard surfaces and demolition material from the previous great hall may be revealed during the repairs.

The hall itself is of importance, as an example of a still standing, brick-built structure of the late Medieval period. It was constructed by Sir Edmund Bedingfield in 1482, refurbished in the 18th and 19th centuries, and remained in the Bedingfield family until its acquisition by the National Trust in 1952. The building was Listed one year earlier, in 1951.

Monitoring of the two test pits demonstrated that the drainpipe repairs only disturbed modern drainage works and no earlier phases of activity were revealed. Previous monitoring works elsewhere within the courtyard had uncovered a surviving chalk surface and it can thus be assumed that earlier construction phases in this area of the hall are likely to survive in other parts of the courtyard.

The contractors on site were of great assistance during the works, as was the National Trust archaeologist, who showed great interest in the project and aided its timely completion. As no archaeological features were found during these works a short report was all that was required to satisfy planning conditions and enable the drainage repairs to take place.