Chairman Welcomes Guests to Copped Hall

Published on 20 October 2009

Mayors and Chairman from Councils across Essex were able to see the latest renovation works to Copped Hall Mansion at a reception hosted by Epping Forest District Council Chairman, Councillor Penny Smith. The dignitaries were treated to a tour of the mansion which was gutted by fire in 1917, before viewing the gardens on a bright early autumn day in October.

Picture caption - Councillor Penny Smith, Chairman of Epping Forest District Council and guests in front of Copped Hall.

From being an empty shell open to the elements, members of the Copped Hall Trust have now made the mansion weather-proof. New floors and staircases are gradually being constructed as the Trustees open up the building for visitors. The gardens and many of the associated buildings have now been restored to something approaching their former glory. Historical artefacts and photographs form part of an exhibition in some of the newly-restored rooms.

Copped Hall is being opened up to cultural and community events ranging from music recitals to the now annual Rotary fun-run through the Estate.

Picture caption - Councillor Penny Smith, Chairman of Epping Forest District Council with the Chairmans Escort Ian Hull in the Copped Hall garden.

Councillor Penny Smith said: "Copped Hall is part of our district's heritage. The current mansion was built in the grounds of a previous Tudor house where the first performance of 'A Mid-summer Night's Dream' is reputed to have taken place. With the help of many volunteers, the Trustees have done a tremendous amount of work. Copped Hall is now open for advertised guided tours and the reception provided the perfect opportunity for us to spread the news about Copped Hall across Essex."

Picture caption - guests shown around the Copped Hall walled garden.

"There is still much work to be done but the mansion retains a special atmosphere. As floors are laid, fireplaces are restored and the Trustees add furniture to some of the rooms, you begin to get a sense of how the house must have felt in its heyday. From the cellars and kitchens up to the main rooms and bedrooms, Copped Hall and its estate accommodated a rich and diverse community of people. It was a focal point for the people of Epping and Upshire. As the restoration continues, it is once again becoming a major asset to our district."

Picture caption - Alan Cox of the Copped Hall Trust shows guests the renovation works.

Councillor Smith's guests enjoyed a light lunch in one of the newly-restored rooms, resplendent with a blazing logfire in a magnificently restored fireplace.

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