A significant piece of New Hall School’s Tudor history has been carefully conserved following the restoration of the historic Coat of Arms above the School’s Chapel entrance. The conservation project was undertaken by specialist stonemasons London Stone Conservation, with financial support from Essex Heritage Trust.

The site of New Hall School was acquired by King Henry VIII in 1517, who transformed it into a magnificent royal palace, known as the Palace of Beaulieu. It later became associated with several Tudor monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth I, who visited in 1579.

The stone Coat of Arms was installed above the Chapel door by Thomas Radcliffe, 3rd Earl of Sussex, ahead of the visit by Queen Elizabeth I in September 1579. The royal visit formed part of one of Elizabeth’s progresses around the country, and the Earl of Sussex is known to have organised elaborate entertainments in her honour. The Coat of Arms remains a lasting reminder of this important moment in New Hall’s history.

This conservation project comes at an exciting time for the School’s ongoing exploration and preservation of its heritage. Earlier this year, the discovery of previously unknown Tudor tunnels beneath the School grounds, added a fascinating new chapter to the story of the historic estate, highlighting how much remains to be learned about one of Essex’s most remarkable heritage sites. The discovery of the underground tunnels attracted renewed interest from Time Team, who first visited New Hall in 2009 to investigate the site’s rich archaeological heritage. Following the discovery of the tunnels, members of Time Team returned to New Hall to record a podcast documenting the significance of the discovery and New Hall’s Tudor past.

For over more than four centuries, the Coat of Arms above the Chapel entrance had suffered from weathering and deterioration. Careful specialist conservation has now stabilised and preserved the stonework, ensuring that this rare historic feature can continue to be appreciated by future generations.

Mrs Katherine Jeffrey, Principal at New Hall School, said: “The conservation of the Coat of Arms preserves the story of New Hall itself, from its origins as a Tudor palace to its role today as one of the country’s leading independent schools. Following the recent discovery of the Tudor tunnels, interest in our site’s remarkable history has never been greater. We are grateful to Essex Heritage Trust for their support and to London Stone Conservation for bringing their specialist expertise to this important project.”

On a site with more than 500 years of history, New Hall School continues to invest in the protection, preservation and understanding of its unique heritage. The conservation of the Coat of Arms is part of a broader commitment to preserving the architectural and historical legacy of the former Palace of Beaulieu, ensuring that its stories endure for future generations.