Couple's Dream Home Renovation in Wales Takes an Eerie Twist: Discovery of 83 Skeletons Beneath the Floorboards
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In a remarkable transformation, Lucy and Rhys Thomas purchased a historic church in Peterstone Wentlooge, Wales. After winning a bidding war at £405,000, they uncovered spine-tingling surprises beneath the floorboards of their new home. This unique property, known as St.
Peters Church, dates back nearly 900 years and is classified as a Grade I listed building.
The couple initially envisioned a simple renovation but faced the daunting task of converting a functioning church into a livable space. While they had heard rumors of a few bodies possibly resting beneath the floor, the reality proved far more shocking.
Unraveling the mystery beneath the flooring
During the initial stages of their renovation, Lucy, aged 53, and Rhys, 45, enlisted the help of an archaeologist. They soon learned they might encounter human remains. Initially, they expected to find only around five or six bodies, as it was common for influential community members to be buried on church grounds.
However, their findings were far more extensive.
Discovering the remains
As the couple began to dig deeper, they uncovered a total of 83 skeletons. Lucy recounted the initial discomfort of discovering the first few bodies but noted that as they continued, they grew increasingly respectful of the historical significance of their findings. Many remains were buried alongside family members, solidifying their decision to leave the bodies undisturbed.
“We felt it was right to let them rest in peace,” Lucy stated. “We chose to lay a new floor over them, along with underfloor heating, so they could remain undisturbed.” This decision underscores the couple’s sensitivity to the past while progressing with their renovation plans.
Transforming a historic building into a modern home
The church had been on the market just as the Covid-19 pandemic hit, and Lucy and Rhys initially had no idea that the property still functioned as a church. They believed they were viewing a fully converted five-bedroom house, only to realize that the structure required extensive renovations.
For the first year and a half, their progress was slow due to delays in securing necessary planning permissions. During this time, they limited themselves to minor renovations, but their enthusiasm for the project never waned. “We learned a lot through this process,” Rhys remarked. “We spent countless hours researching and connecting with other listed building owners online.”
Restoration efforts and modern enhancements
After removing the original stone flooring, which was over a century old, they repurposed it into a patio area outside, preserving the beautiful engravings. The couple hired skilled builders to create a mezzanine flitch frame, maintaining the church’s original features while modernizing the interior.
Additionally, they ensured that the church’s iconic bell tower remained intact. They undertook repairs to the bells and installed new ropes, enabling them to ring the magnificent eight bells. Their dedication to preserving the church’s history while integrating modern comforts resulted in a breathtaking residence featuring six bedrooms and six bathrooms.
Today, the property includes contemporary amenities such as double glazing, underfloor heating, and leisure facilities like a snooker table and a hot tub. Lucy mentioned, “We are immensely proud of what we have accomplished. Our family, architects, and builders have all played pivotal roles in this journey.”
The couple initially envisioned a simple renovation but faced the daunting task of converting a functioning church into a livable space. While they had heard rumors of a few bodies possibly resting beneath the floor, the reality proved far more shocking.0
