It was a month of historical events for the D'Arcy Spices.

Firstly, Mr Derek Punchard gave a talk about local archaeology, touching briefly on the large ancient burial site discovered in Tollesbury, before describing an extensive dig which took place at Beeleigh Abbey near Maldon.

Over several years, the foundations of a medieval hall house, which at first had a wooden chimney later replaced by a brick one, were uncovered.

Four different hearths came to light, dating from the 13th to the 17th centuries.

Some appeared to be domestic, with the cooking arrangements separate from the house to reduce the risk of fire.

Near one hearth, though, many nails were discovered, leading to the belief that a smithy had stood on that spot. A brick clamp used to fire large quantities of bricks was found and it seems that bricks were sold from the site.

Fifteenth century pottery was also unearthed, some just fragments, but some pieces in very good condition. Mr Punchard showed slides of each stage in this dig. Some members took the opportunity to buy a book edited by him about the history of the abbey, from its 11th century foundation to its closure at the Dissolution of the monasteries, as well as the history of the existing house.

Later in July, the D'Arcy Spices and some of the Silver Threads visited Marks Hall, where they admired the spectacular walled garden, the lakes and the parkland with its arboretum.

Four brave people walked up the hill leading to the walled garden, but most members were glad to avail themselves of the electric buggy, with its driver who was a splendid guide to the history of Marks Hall.

Unfortunately, the mansion itself was demolished after falling into disrepair following the Second World War.

The land, however, was bequeathed to the nation by its owner, Mr Thomas Phillips Price and restoration has been carried out since 1971. The estate is administered by the Thomas Phillips Price Trust and planting continues now.

It is a glorious place to visit and there is also a visitors' centre where members revived themselves with tea and cake before the coach journey home.