In the heart of Cumbria’s ancient Inglewood Forest stands a seemingly unassuming Tudor hunting lodge that has recently revealed an extraordinary secret dating back over 450 years. “The Ashes,” built during Queen Elizabeth I’s reign in the 1560s, has been found to house rare and fantastical 16th-century wall paintings featuring mythological creatures and elaborate designs that have remained hidden for centuries.
Hidden Treasures Emerge From Behind Centuries-Old Plaster
The journey of discovery began in the 1970s with the identification of what appeared to be a dog surrounded by foliage on the second floor. However, the real breakthrough came during recent renovations in the 2010s and 2020s, when removing failing plaster revealed an unexpected medieval menagerie beneath.
“We’ve owned the property for over two decades and were aware of a small fragment of wall painting similar to nearby Dacre Hall,” explained current owners Jen and Richard Arkell. “But when we began restoration work in the upstairs bedroom, we uncovered much more of the composition. The moment we saw these remarkable motifs and faces looking back at us after centuries of hiding—it was truly unforgettable.”
The two-story structure has preserved numerous original architectural elements, including its distinctive arched stone fireplace and spiral newel staircase. Historic England researchers believe the lodge’s first residents were William Simpson, a wealthy bailiff of Castle Sowerby Manor, and his family.
Rare Artistic Technique Preserves Ancient Visions
What makes these discoveries particularly significant is their creation using the “secco” technique—a method where artists applied pigments to dry plaster using binding agents like egg yolk or glue. Unlike traditional fresco painting where colors penetrate wet plaster, secco paintings remain on the surface, allowing for detailed work and modifications.
Though secco paintings are generally more vulnerable to deterioration, this technique has preserved other historical masterpieces throughout history, including Giotto’s 14th-century murals in Assisi and Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic Last Supper.
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A Magical Medieval World Revealed
The ground floor excavations unveiled intricate floral designs concealing heraldic rabbits alongside striking “Grotesque” head profiles—a black-and-white decorative style borrowed from ancient Roman art that was characteristic of the 16th century but exceptionally rare for the Cumbria region.
“The combination of motifs discovered here is unusual even by national standards,” noted Myra Tolan-Smith, Historic England’s listing adviser. “Researchers believe the decorative panels were likely inspired by textile designs, reflecting the sophisticated tastes of the original owners.”
Preservation for Future Generations
The historical and artistic significance of these findings has resulted in the building receiving protected listed status from the UK’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Together with the newly listed farm buildings, this discovery provides remarkable insight into the evolution of a significant Tudor hunting lodge.
This protection ensures these magical medieval murals will be preserved for future generations, offering a rare glimpse into the artistic sensibilities of Tudor England and the hidden histories that sometimes lurk just beneath the surface of our everyday surroundings.
