The Old House, Milverton

The Old House in Milverton in Somerset, England is a Grade II* listed building dating from the late 14th and early 15th century,[1] although there may also be remains of an earlier building on the site.[2]

The Old House
The Old House, Milverton is located in Somerset
The Old House, Milverton
Location of The Old House in Somerset
LocationMilverton in Somerset, England
Coordinates51°01′32″N 3°15′10″W / 51.02556°N 3.25278°W / 51.02556; -3.25278
Builtlate 14th and early 15th century
Listed Building – Grade II*
Official nameThe Old House
Designated25 January 1956[1]
Reference no.1060552

The house is built of red sandstone with Hamstone dressings. It was built as a residence for the archdeacon of Taunton and was the home of Thomas Cranmer,[3][4] in the 1530s while he held the post.[5] It was only sold by the church in the mid 20th century.[1]

While the house was being renovated in the early 21st century, a Tudor wall painting of Henry VIII was discovered underneath the plaster as it was being removed.[6] It is the only one of its kind in a domestic dwelling.[7] It has been speculated that there is a secret message in the image.,[8] which has been dated to around 1541.[9]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c Historic England. "The Old House (1060552)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 5 April 2015.
  2. ^ Gathercole, Clare. "An archaeological assessment of Milverton" (PDF). English Heritage Extensive Urban Survey. Somerset County Council. Retrieved 8 June 2013.
  3. ^ "'Significant' Tudor painting discovered". University of Bristol. Retrieved 7 June 2013.
  4. ^ "Mural of King Henry VIII uncovered in Somerset". BBC News. 28 January 2011. Retrieved 7 June 2013.
  5. ^ B. Jones (1964). "Archdeacons: Taunton". Fasti Ecclesiae Anglicanae 1300-1541: volume 8: Bath and Wells diocese. Institute of Historical Research. Retrieved 8 June 2013.
  6. ^ "Henry VIII Uncovered". CAD architects. Retrieved 8 June 2013.
  7. ^ "Every inch a king". Society for the protection of ancient buildings. Retrieved 7 June 2013.
  8. ^ Carroll, Su (30 May 2013). "Hidden heritage is in the spotlight for Secret Homes series". Western Morning News. Retrieved 7 June 2013.
  9. ^ Hughes, Bettany (7 June 2013). "Bettany Hughes' new series Britain's Secret Homes unearths properties around the country with a story to tell". Telegraph. Retrieved 7 June 2013.

External links edit