A young couple from Barrowford, England, uncovered a series of bones hidden within the walls of their newly purchased 16th-century home, leading them on an unexpected journey into the property's mysterious past.
Emmie Brookman, a 28-year-old partner in a home products business, and her fiancé, 34-year-old Norton Johnston, bought the three-bedroom house in February 2023 for £311,000 (approximately $413,000). The house was built around 1580. "I fell in love with the house's character and uniqueness," Brookman said. "I like to find things that have a history and fit into the house."
Initially, they believed the house required only minor updates, such as new carpets and a fresh coat of paint. However, upon moving in, they noticed pink mold on the walls and a musty smell that permeated the rooms. Their documents became damp, and it became clear that more extensive renovations were needed. They soon realized that the previous owners used the wrong type of plaster, which trapped moisture inside the walls. Determined to preserve the home's original stonework, they decided to remove the plaster themselves to reveal the old stone beneath.
In August 2023, as they began the renovation process, the couple made a startling discovery. "We removed the plaster, and when I was near the front, something jumped out of the wall. It was clearly a bone. I was very scared," Brookman recounted. "What do you do when you find a bone in the wall? We found about four more bones on the exterior. At first, we thought we had found a whole corpse."
Their initial shock turned into curiosity as they continued to find bones in almost every room of the house. "We found a total of four bones on the exterior and two inside," she said. One of the bones appeared to be a human finger bone, while the others seemed to be animal bones. In addition to the bones, they discovered a mysterious green bottle filled with ash and herbs.
Seeking answers, Brookman and Johnston delved into the history of their home and the surrounding area. They learned that in the 16th century, it was common practice to place bones and other items within the walls of houses to ward off evil spirits and protect the inhabitants from witchcraft. "We found an article about magic in Kendal and read that people really believed in witches," Brookman explained. "They used to put bones in walls and herbs to ward off evil. They believed that protected them."
Their research also led them to uncover more about the house's previous occupants and the local history. Behind the stone walls of their home, it seemed a dark secret had been concealed for centuries. The couple was surprised by the depth of the historical practices they uncovered and the lengths to which past residents went to protect themselves from perceived supernatural threats.
Despite the unsettling discoveries, Brookman embraced the house's storied past. She even plans to display some of the bones they found and decided to place others back into the walls. "They are part of the house," she stated. "I like to find things that have a history and fit into the house."
The couple is proceeding with the renovations carefully, aiming to preserve the original style and integrity of the historic property. "We're still gently renovating the house to preserve its style," Brookman said. The experience not only connected them more deeply with their home but also with the rich history of the area.
As they continue to restore the house, Brookman and Johnston are mindful of the preservation of its unique characteristics. The discovery of the bones and other artifacts transformed a routine renovation into a fascinating exploration of history and tradition. Their journey reflects a respect for the past and an appreciation for the mysteries that old homes often hold.
While the initial findings were alarming, the couple now views their discoveries as a testament to the home's enduring legacy. "It's fascinating to think about the lives of the people who lived here before us," Brookman reflected. "These artifacts tell a story, and we're just the next chapter in this house's long history."
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.
