THE bad weather did not stop people from attending an historic mansion open day where parts of the building which have never been seen before were open to the public.

More than 1,000 visitors went to Copped Hall in Epping to tour the grounds and enjoy the garden party atmosphere.

Following extensive renovation people were able to view new rooms in the mansion, including the partly renovated Grand Salon which could be accessed via the newly opened personal rooms of John Conyers, who built the mansion.

The event brought the whole community together with local businesses helping to make the day a success.

An exhibition of watercolour paintings by local artist James Marriott were on display and a continental atmosphere was provided by various piano players.

Members of the Epping Forest Pipe and Drum Band also gave a performance in the mansion grounds.

The Copped Hall Ladies worked hard to provide refreshments and Church Butchers provided their popular hot dogs and burgers.

Press Officer Trevor Roberts said: “Of great interest were the current archaeological excavations of the site of the Tudor Mansion in the grounds and especially the new archaeological room in the Victorian Wing where the archaeologists involved described the nature of the work and displayed some interesting discoveries.”