Surrey Day Celebrated at Bourne Hall with ‘Underground Surrey’ Theme
Bourne Hall in Ewell was alive with curiosity and discovery on Saturday 9 May 2026 as residents and visitors gathered to celebrate Surrey Day, part of the county’s eighth annual celebration. This year’s theme, ‘Underground Surrey’, invited people to explore the hidden history beneath their feet through a full programme of talks, activities and exhibitions.
The day showcased the rich archaeology associated with the Bourne Hall site and the wider local area. Highlights included a popular walk and talk on the archaeology of Bourne Hall, uncovering what lies beneath the building and its surroundings, and a fascinating afternoon talk on the Mysterious Discovery of the Epsom Aurochs, featuring 3,500‑year‑old bones found on Epsom Downs.
Families were well catered for, with children aged 8–12 taking part in the ‘Be an Archaeologist’ session, where they got hands-on experience and learned how archaeologists investigate the past with a ‘dig’ workshop. Throughout the day, visitors could also drop in for a free coin identification session with a local specialist and explore ‘Secrets of Bourne Hall’, a special temporary exhibition revealing the site’s lesser-known history.
The event was further enhanced by a visit from the High Sheriff, Joosje Hamilton DL , who arrived at Bourne Hall at 1.20pm. The visit included a guided tour of Bourne Hall Museum, and she also joined in with the museum’s children’s archaeology club. The High Sheriff’s presence highlighted the importance of local heritage, volunteering and community engagement.
Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community & Wellbeing Committee, also attended the celebrations, meeting staff, volunteers and visitors, and showing his support for Bourne Hall as a vital cultural and community venue in the borough.
Speaking of the recent event, he said,
“With strong attendance across the day and enthusiastic participation from all ages, Surrey Day at Bourne Hall proved to be a wonderful celebration of local history, archaeology and community spirit, reinforcing the Hall’s role as a hub for learning and cultural discovery in Ewell and beyond.”
