The sights and sounds of Weybridge are evident above ground, but the town’s buried past lies deep beneath concrete and rubble. Weybridge can now boast of its Tudor Stuart links through an exhibition at the Elmbridge Museum entitled, “Oatlands Underfoot; Stones and stories from a forgotten Palace.”

Oatlands Palace stood in the middle of Weybridge, where the present site lies just beyond the eastern end of the High Street. Roads bounding the site today are Grotto Road, Old Palace Road, and Weybridge Palace Garden.

Oatlands Palace was actually a gift of love. It was Henry VIII who converted a large manor home to a grand palace in 1537 for Anne of Cleves. The marriage was short-lived, but the palace continued to house Tudor and Stuart monarchs for hundreds of years.

Many prolific royals such as Anne of Denmark and Henrietta Maria, the wives of James I and Charles I, respectively were amongst the former residents of the now defunct palace. Special events had also taken place, such as Henry VIII’s marriage to Catherine Howard in the Chapel, and regular visitors walked were welcomed, such as Robert Dudley, whom was rumoured to be Queen Elizabeth’s lover.

The Palace served as a military fortress during the Civil War between Charles I and Parliament. Charles I and his supporters were defeated by Parliament and at the end of the war, they took over the Palace and demolished it in 1650.

In recent years, excavations have uncovered walls, canals, and large number of patterned floor tiles, which originally lay on the Chertsey Abbey.

The Oatlands Underfoot exhibition includes information about recent excavations, which took place during the 1960’s and the 1970’s with the participation of the local community, including the Local History Society, archaeological groups, and residents of all ages. There has even been local contributions to the exhibition itself. Artist Donagh Curwen had created a life-sized model of Henry VII made from papier-mâché and a model of Catherine Howard was made by the pupils at St. Paul’s Catholic Primary School with Mr. Curwen using not but recycled materials.

Oatlands Palace was a long forgotten place, but now it can be remembered and celebrated above ground with artifacts, portraits, and pictures. The exhibition has been running since early September until the 6th January 2010.

Admission is free. Please contact Elmbridge Museum for opening times on 01932843573 or email ebcmuseum@elmbridge.gov.uk