Copped Hall Summary

• Address: Crown Hill, Upshire Road, Epping, CM16 5HS (Map)
• Tel: +44 (0)20 7267 1679
• Owner: Copped Hall Trust
• Administrator: Alan Cox
• E-mail: Click here to contact
• Website: Go to the Copped Hall website

The new mansion was 'U' shaped in plan and arranged around a symmetrical open courtyard. A single storey covered corridor connected the outstretched wings. Entry was from the north – where a large enclosed carriage turning-circle was constructed.

In 1739 Edward Conyers purchased the Elizabethan Copped Hall from Sir Thomas Webster who had owned it since 1701. Edward Conyers only enjoyed the house for three years before dying in 1742. Edward Conyers son, John, inherited the property and considered repairing it as it had become dilapidated.

However, John Conyers moved in cultural circles and wanted to express the latest architectural ideas of the day which were incompatable with living in the old house. Plans for a PalIadian mansion were drawn up by his architect - John Sanderson. Assisting with these ideas were Sir Roger Newdigate and another architect – Thomas Prowse. Very grand proposals were were produced a main block with a vast dome, a portico and attached curved colonnades leading to symmetrical pavilions. In the end only the main block was built - on a different site to the Elizabethan mansion. It was completed by 1758. Fragments of the Elizabethan house were retained and a rock garden was created in part of the cellars.

During the war, in 1917, the main eighteenth century block of Copped Hall was largely burnt-out in a disasterous fire one Sunday morning. Much of the contents were saved by many items were also lost. The family moved to Wood House on the estate which had been built by Ernest Wythes towards the end of the 19th century. The move was supposed to be temporary but in the end Mr Wythes never rebuilt Copped Hall.

Copped Hall became a developer's dream. Large scale schemes were proposed again and again. After many battles against such proposals, the parkland was saved by the Corporation of London who purchased it in 1992. The specially formed Copped Hall Trust saved the mansion and gardens by purchasing these in 1995.

Apart from the extensive gardens there is a 4 acre Walled Garden which is in cultivation.

The Friends of Copped Hall Trust was set up in 1998 to enable people who cared about Copped Hall to support the Trust and its objectives. Since then the Friends have made a substantial contribution to both the restoration process and also to fund raising.

Throughout the year the Trust holds a series of Events as part of a very full programme, and organises special Open Days at Copped Hall.

Opening Times - 2012

Mansion & Gardens:

• First Sunday of each month from April to September (2 - 5 pm, last entry 4 pm, tours last, 2.5 - 3 hours
• Third Sunday of each month (in December, second Sunday), open from 10 am - 11 am, tours last, 2.5 - 3 hours
• Please note that disabled access is limited

Gardens only:

• First Sunday of each month from (March - September inclusive). 2 - 5 pm (last entry at 4 pm)

Admission Prices - 2012

House and gardens:

• Adult - £7.00
• Seniors - £7.00
• Group - £7.00

Gardens:

• Adult - £3.50

Groups Welcome (minimum 20 people).

Further information including opening times and prices

Image Gallery

Your Reviews of Copped Hall

Odette (11 October 2011)

I am surprised the archaeology work currently being undertaken has not been mentioned in the articles on Copped Hall Essex. The Tudor foundations on the older Medieval Manor are undergoing excavation by West Essex Archaeology Group with Copped Hall Trust. The digs are open to the public in the summer, with opportunities to dig.

Ann Paris (14 September 2010)

My grandfather worked on the Copped Hall estate for many years and name of the house, called New Farm House on the estate was changed, when the granddaughter of the Wythes family inherited the house she changed it to Paris Hall after him. He lived in the cottages on the high road, no 11 Griffins Wood Cotaages. His name was George Paris, his wife Jessie. When we were children, my brother and I used to play in the ruins of the hall, it was a wonderful time. If anyone remembers my family I would love you to get in touch.

See more reviews of Copped Hall

Events for Copped Hall

• Open Garden - 04 March 2012
  Entry 2 pm - 4 pm: Gardens close at 5 pm. An opportunity to wander around the gardens and talk to the gardeners. A map with brief descriptions of the gardens is provided on arrival. The mansion will not be open. The Racquets Court is open until 4.00pm for tea and coffee, home-made biscuits and cakes, and the shop will also be open. Tickets - £3.50 per person. The Friends and children under 14 free.

Additional Info for Copped Hall

• Gardens
• Dogs allowed
• Disabled Access
• Education
• Refreshments
• Picnics
• Guides
• Filming
• Gifts
• Live Entertainment
• Shop
• Car Parking

Heritage Groups

• Historic Houses Association

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