THE archaeological secrets of a medieval manor have at last been uncovered.

A new book by historic buildings expert Nigel Brown tells how excavations at Southchurch Hall, in Southend, over the past 30 years have uncovered evidence of a bridge and gatehouse at the hall.

The book, titled A Medieval Moated Manor by the Thames Estuary: Excavations at Southchurch Hall, provides an account of the digs which have taken place and has been written and published by Essex County Council, together with Southend Council and English Heritage.

Mr Brown, manager of the county council's historic environment management team, said: "The book describes and interprets the results of the excavations, which revealed details of the moat, mound, three phases of timber bridge, and foundations of a stone built gatehouse and other structures.

"Many artefacts were recovered, notably pottery, metal objects, leatherwork and glass."

Southchurch Hall, a scheduled monument, lies just north of the seafront, close to the centre of Southend. Originally built in the 14th century, it has gone through several changes of purpose in recent times.

In the early 1920s, it was a working farm but was under serious threat of destruction from the rapid expansion of Southend.

Fortunately, a group of individuals sought to preserve the threatened building and its earthworks.

It was eventually presented to Southend Council and was extensively restored in the late 1920s and opened to the public as a branch library in 1931, with the earthworks forming part of a public park.

By the early 1970s, the hall was being refitted to become a branch of Southend Museums.

It was intended to equip it as a furnished medieval manor. It was at this point the excavation work began.

The work was carried out by members of Southend's Antiquarian and Historical Society to provide artefacts for the museum and to find remains of the numerous manorial buildings known from documentary sources.

In the late 1990s, Essex County Council's archaeology team took the project on and a programme of work to publish the findings was supported by funding from English Heritage.

The team carried out a survey of the hall. They also analysed the extensive documentary sources relating to the site.

The evidence unearthed in this process form the basis of the book's account.

Jeremy Lucas, Essex County Council's executive councillor for Heritage, Culture and the Arts, said: "The book provides a permanent record of the excavations and a starting point for all those who wish to investigate further the rich and varied history of Southchurch Hall.

"This is a great example of co-operation between Essex County Council, Southend Borough Council and English Heritage."

The 150-page book costs £18. It is available online at www.eaareports.demon.co.uk or by phone on 01376 553934, or by writing to Phil McMichael, Essex County Council Field Archaeology Unit, Fairfield Court, Braintree, CM7 3YQ.