A HISTORIC building which now has pride of place in the heart of Epping will host a number of events this summer.

Copped Hall, in Crown Hill, Epping, is looking forward to welcoming people from the area and beyond to find out more about its rich past.

It is currently in the middle of being restored after a nine-year-battle with developers.

The mansion was built and designed in 1750 by John Sanderson under the watch of its owner, John Conyers.

But it was badly damaged by a fire in 1917 but in 1961, classed as a proteccted building.

The Friends of the Copped Hall Trust was formed in 1987.

In 2012, it opened to the public and a number of events are now held throughout the summer.

They now rely on donations, grants and fundraising from community events to keep their project alive.

Alan Cox, an architect working on the house, said: “It was a matter of principle. It was a group called ‘The Friends of Copped Hall’ who helped to save it. They believed it should be restored and extended.

“People are coming in all the time to help out. We have had some excellent contractors working on it.

“The restoration is going very well and the council have been very helpful. This way our principles can be achieved.”

The group now has 1,300 people on its books and 65 volunteers.

There are now open days, workshops, study days, garden afternoons, theatres and concerts at the house throughout the year.

The group claims it is no different to the National Trust and the English Heritage because they are doing the “same thing”.

All information on the event listings can be found online at www.coppedhalltrust.org.uk.

Ticket prices alter depending on the event.

Children under 16 years go for free.