Against all odds, a group of amateurs discovers the hidden secrets of a 15th-century royal palace, but what did they find?

In a remarkable feat of determination, a team of amateur history enthusiasts has unearthed the hidden remains of a 15th-century royal palace. Against all odds, these individuals successfully located and identified the Collyweston Palace, once owned by Margaret Beaufort, the grandmother of Henry VIII. Despite lacking significant financial resources and official plans, the Collyweston Historical and Preservation Society (CHAPS) in Northampton, England, embarked on a five-year search for the palace. Utilizing ground-penetrating radar, they stumbled upon buried walls and foundations that hinted at the palace's existence. Previously listed as a historical site by Historic England, the palace had been largely forgotten, with only fish ponds and a barn serving as visible remnants. The radar scans provided the first evidence of the palace's hidden structures, which had fallen into disrepair by 1650 and were later replaced by another house built by the Tryon family. With the support of local grant money totaling £14,000 ($17,500), CHAPS initiated excavations and attracted the attention of better-funded professionals who joined their efforts. The ongoing second stage of excavations aims to uncover more details about the palace's architecture and usage, while preserving any artifacts discovered for a future museum exhibit. The discovery of the Collyweston Palace sheds light on a significant chapter of England's history, with records indicating that Queen Elizabeth I once held court there in 1566. This inspiring find showcases the power of passion and determination in unearthing hidden treasures from the past.