Residents will be able to view an early medieval building that was recently discovered by a Burnham-on-Crouch archaeological group next weekend.

Burnham u3a Archaeological Group began excavating the previously unknown building in July 2020, after spotting an unusual crop mark from a Google Earth image.

Earlier this year, the group uncovered a rare stone building on the site, believed to date from the 11th to the 13th century - possibly a chamber block built for the Bishop of London, who owned Southminster Manor at the time.

The group, made up of amateur archaeologists, was aided in its discovery by Archaeology South-East and other experts.

Now, residents will be able to view the building's foundations in the moated back garden of Southminster Hall, on Hall Road.

The massive stone foundations are built of septaria, possibly brought from the ruined Roman Fort at Bradwell-on-Sea.

Sue Spiers, deputy leader of the Burnham u3a Archaeological Group, said the viewing is "a unique opportunity" for residents to enjoy, which forms part of the Heritage Open Days at Southminster Hall.

The open days will take place on Saturday 18 September and Sunday 19 September - from 10am to 4pm.

Many finds will be on show during the days, and u3a members and experts will be on hand to explain and demonstrate what they have been doing and the history of the site.

The activities form part of the Heritage Open Days Festival - England's largest festival of history and culture.

You can find out more about upcoming open days for the festival in Maldon using the link here.

For more information on the festival, you can visit the Heritage Open Days website using the link here.