19x7 - The Only Earl Is Essex - Colne Priory, Essex

March 4, 2012

Tony and the team rip up the pristine lawns of Paul Whight's stately home in search of the secrets of its illustrious former owners: the De Veres, who built a priory here in the 12th century. They are also hoping to discover the later manor house. There is a rumour that the dissolute 17th Earl, Edward, wrote at least some of William Shakespeare's plays, and could be buried here, along with his ancestors and descendants. Geophysics is now able to produce 3D images of what is underground; while Jackie has plenty of bones to look at. Alex helps stone carver Lucy Churchill to carve some de Vere symbols from blocks of rare alabaster. Among the many finds are stained glass and encaustic tiles. They are joined by Anna Whitelock from the University of London. Finally, state-of-the-art laser technology entombs Alex in his own sarcophagus.