Fantastical 16th century wall paintings revealed in Cumbrian Tudor hunting lodge

The Grotesque style paintings feature fantastical beasts and foliage arranged in decorative panels. Found on some of the lodge’s internal walls, evidence suggests the artwork originally covered a larger area within the rooms.

The first paintings were discovered on the first floor in the 1970s, while work some decades later in the 2010s and early 2020s exposed additional paintings in the hall on the ground floor as well as more artwork on the first floor.

Recent scientific dating of the building's timbers, using dendrochronology - a technique that analyses tree growth rings to determine age - has provided new insights. The results confirm that the roof over the earliest part of the house was built using timber felled in or around the winter of 1561/1562, during the early years of Elizabeth I's reign. The Ashes is listed at Grade II*, reflecting its exceptional historic importance.

In addition to the main house, adjoining agricultural buildings and boundary walls have now been granted Grade II listed status. This includes an L-shaped range of buildings constructed in local pink sandstone, featuring an earlier barn with a reused 16th century timber roof structure.

Heritage Minister Sir Chris Bryant said: "These remarkable 16th century wall paintings are a rare discovery for Cumbria. The exceptional artwork offers a glimpse into our Tudor past and I'm delighted that these paintings will be preserved for future generations to learn about our rich history and enjoy."

Historic England’s Myra Tolan-Smith said: "The combination of motifs discovered here is unusual even by national standards. Together with the newly listed farm buildings, this discovery provides remarkable insight into the evolution of a significant Tudor hunting lodge into a working farm."

Jen and Richard Arkell, the owners of The Ashes, said: “A small fragment of wall painting – similar to that seen at nearby Dacre Hall – has been visible in the house since before we acquired the property over 20 years ago. However, recent work to the primary upstairs bedroom revealed much more of the composition. Removing old failing plaster to find these remarkable motifs and faces looking back at us is a moment we will never forget.

The new protection given by DCMS on the advice of Historic England, is great news for The Ashes and will help secure the long-term conservation of the buildings and their setting.”

Markus Campbell-Savours MP for Penrith and Solway said: “It’s quite clear these paintings were a remarkable find and it’s wonderful news that they have now been protected as part of the building’s listing. We can only hope that local people can enjoy them and the history of Cumbria for many years to come.”

The paintings, created using a secco technique where pigments are applied to dry plaster, include striking images of Grotesque head profiles and a dog's head emerging from decorative foliage. They are thought to be an imitation textile design, reflecting the sophisticated tastes of the building's wealthy original occupants.

This enhanced protection ensures both the Tudor house and its historic farm buildings are preserved for future generations.

The Missing Pieces Project: Add your information about The Ashes, Castle Sowerby

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