Ep 7. Horseshoe Hall

Time Team season 20 episode 7, titled Horseshoe Hall, takes viewers on a thrilling journey through history as the team explores the grounds of Horseshoe Hall, a Grade II listed building in Derbyshire, England. The team is joined by historian and expert in historic buildings, Oliver Cox, as they delve into the rich history of this stunning location.

Over the course of three days, the Time Team uses a combination of cutting-edge technology and traditional archaeology methods to uncover the secrets hidden beneath the surface of the historic site. The team is eager to uncover the mysteries of the hall, which has been home to a number of fascinating individuals over the years, including an infamous 17th-century highwayman!

The episode starts with the team getting to know the site and its history, with Oliver Cox as their guide. The team discovers that the hall was built in the late 16th century and was once owned by an influential family, the Cokaynes. As they start their excavation, the team quickly realizes that there are countless layers to the site's history, with evidence of occupation dating back as far as the Bronze Age.

The team sets to work, digging deep into the history of the site. They uncover evidence of a moat, which suggests that the site may have been used as a defensive structure in the past. They also uncover numerous artifacts, including pottery shards, coins, and even the remnants of a 17th-century musket ball!

As they continue to dig, the team stumbles upon a series of intriguing underground tunnels. Oliver Cox explains that these tunnels were likely built during World War II as air raid shelters. However, the team is surprised to find evidence of older tunnels extending beyond the shelter.

As the excitement mounts, the team continues to dig, slowly piecing together an intricate web of history. They uncover evidence of an earlier hall on the site, which was replaced by the current structure in the Tudor period. They also discover that the site was once used as a hunting lodge, with evidence of exotic animal remains found on the site.

The Time Team also uncovers evidence of a chapel on the site, which was used by the Cokayne family. The team uncovers the foundations of the chapel and discovers that the walls were decorated with beautiful medieval frescoes.

As the episode draws to a close, the team reflects on the importance of preserving historic sites like Horseshoe Hall. They talk about the challenges of balancing the need for progress with the need to preserve our rich cultural heritage, and emphasize the importance of continued archaeological research.

Time Team season 20 episode 7, Horseshoe Hall, is a fascinating journey through history that is sure to captivate viewers. It is a fine example of the meticulous research and painstaking excavation work that the Time Team is known for. Whether you're a history buff or simply a curious viewer, this episode is a must-watch!