Workers restoring a medieval English house found 800 years of hidden history, including...

A conservation project at Dunstable’s Grade II listed Priory House has uncovered 800 years of hidden history, including nationally important wall paintings, sealed medieval doorways and protective marks once used to keep evil spirits away. Specialist teams led by HB Archaeology & Conservation Limited, together with structural engineers and building contractors, have been working since 2022 to repair and strengthen the ageing building. The major restoration project is supported by £1,142,730 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and £684,312 from Historic England. The discoveries have also changed what historians know about the building’s past.Scientific tests confirm 13th-century originsScientific tests on organic material found inside the building’s vaulted stone undercroft confirmed that the structure dates from the early-to-mid 13th century. Radiocarbon testing of twigs found above the vaulting cones dated them to between cal AD 1217 and 1269. The undercroft was originally part of Dunstable Priory and was used as a guest house for travellers and pilgrims travelling along the ancient Watling Street. Archaeologists also found evidence of the building’s earliest layout. Among...