Essex ram raiders reveal historic architectural gem

The Co-op in Dedham, Essex Credit: Colchester Borough Council

Ram raiders in Essex inadvertently revealed a historic architectural gem when they damaged a shopfront while taking its ATM.

The Co-op in Dedham, Essex was hit by a gang in December 2017 and the damage they caused the facade prompted the supermarket to call in archaeologists.

A dig beneath the shop floor uncovered a medieval hearth and a two-handled cauldron which may have been used to ward off evil spirits.

The pot would have been used to ward off evil spirits Credit: Colchester Borough Council

The archaeologist's report found the building's timber frame dates from 1520. It would originally have been home to a prominent merchant.

Now there are plans to bring the buildings security up-to-date while still preserving its historical elements.