Enfield Palace

Has been described as a Possible Palace (Royal)

There are no visible remains

NameEnfield Palace
Alternative NamesElsyng; Elysing Palace; Worcesters
Historic CountryLondon and Middlesex
Modern AuthorityLondon Borough of Enfield
1974 AuthorityGreater London
Civil ParishEnfield

The site of Elsynge Hall was excavated by the Enfield Archaeology Society in 1964. Findings include an external wall, presumed to be of the 15th century and a later structure with alterations and additions of circa 1540. These consist of a brick built drain and another wall. Traces of a moat were found but its extent is not yet known. Excavation in 1965 concentrated on the courtyard area and confirmed four structural phases for the site. Further excavation is planned for 1967 (none has been recorded by EAS from 1966-1975.) A gas pipeline trench has been cut through the remains of the Hall, about 100ft to the northeast of the 1963-66 excavation area. Elsings was a palatial house of Sir Thomas Lovell. He left it to his brother-in-law, Thomas Manners, who exchanged the house with the King for some monastic land in the Midlands in 1539. (PastScape)

Although repaired from 1542-3, on Edward VIs accession it was found to be ruinous. It was repaired, and many visits by Queen Elizabeth are recorded. From 1582, she no longer stayed at the house when visiting the chase, and in 1597 the house was reportedly in danger of collapse. In 1608 most of the house was carefully demolished, the materials being reused at Theobalds. The demolished part formed one side of a courtyard, and the rest was restored in 1609-10. However, the house was finally demolished shortly after 1656. (HKW)

This site is a scheduled monument protected by law

Not Listed

Historic England (PastScape) Defra or Monument number(s)
County Historic Environment Record
OS Map Grid ReferenceTQ338989
Latitude51.6734390258789
Longitude-0.066200003027916
Eastings533800
Northings198910
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink

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Books

  • Thurley, Simon, 1993, The Royal Palaces of Tudor England (Yale University Press) p. 79, 80, 81
  • Jones, I. K. and Drayton, I.W., 1984, The Royal Palaces of Enfield (Enfield Archaeological Society Research Report No. 4)
  • Colvin, H.M., Ransome, D.R. and Summerson, John, 1982, The history of the King's Works, Vol. 4: 1485-1660 (part 2) (London) p. 87-9
  • Baker, T.F.T. (ed), 1976, 'Enfield: Manors' VCH Middlesex Vol. 5 p. 224-9 online transcription
  • Timbs, J. and Gunn, A., 1872, Abbeys, Castles and Ancient Halls of England and Wales Vol. 1 (London) p. 166-7 online copy

Antiquarian

Journals

  • Dinn, James and Reynolds, Susan, 1980, 'Excavations in Enfield, 1977-1979' Transactions of the London and Middlesex Archaeological Society Vol. 31 p. 110-115 download copy
  • Jones, I. K. and Drayton, I.W., 1968, Enfield Archaeological Society Bulletin Vol. 28
  • Jones, I. K. and Drayton, I.W., 1966, Enfield Archaeological Society Bulletin Vol. 20

Primary Sources

Other

  • Linford, N., 2000, Elsyng Palace, London Borough of Enfield Report on geophysical survey, September 2000 (Ancient Monuments Laboratory Report 76/2000) online copy
  • Bartlett, A.D.H., 1998, Site of Elsyng Palace, London Borough of Enfield, Report on Archaeogeophysical Survey 1998 (Bartlett-Clark Consultancy Report for English Heritage)