A British couple’s DIY renovation of a centuries-old farmhouse took a bone-chilling turn when they discovered human remains hidden within the ancient walls.
At a Glance
- Emmie Brookman and Norton Johnston found human and animal bones inside the walls of their 16th-century Lancashire farmhouse during renovations
- The bones, including what appears to be a human finger bone, were likely placed there in the 1500s to ward off evil spirits
- They discovered a mysterious green bottle filled with ashes and herbs, possibly linked to historical witchcraft beliefs
- The property has a dark connection – a notorious murderer once lived in the neighboring manor house
- The couple has embraced these historical findings, preserving some bones and artifacts while continuing their renovation
Bones in the Walls: A Shocking Discovery
When Emmie Brookman and her fiancé Norton Johnston purchased their 16th-century farmhouse in Barrowford, Lancashire in February 2023, they expected some renovation challenges. What they didn’t anticipate was uncovering human and animal remains hidden within the structure itself.
The startling finds began as the couple tackled necessary repairs to address pink mold and moisture issues that had made the home nearly uninhabitable. As they chiseled away the exterior render, something unexpected emerged from the ancient walls.
“We were taking the render off and when I was by the front something popped out of the wall,” recalled Emmie. “It was very obviously a bone. I was really creeped out. What do you do when you find a bone in the wall? We found about four more in the exterior. At first we thought we were going to find a full body.”
Historical Protection Against Evil
Research into their macabre discoveries revealed a fascinating historical practice. The bones, including what appears to be a human finger bone, were likely deliberately placed in the walls during the home’s construction in the 16th century. This practice was common in that era as a form of spiritual protection, intended to ward off evil spirits and misfortune. The couple also unearthed a mysterious green bottle filled with ashes and herbs, further evidence of superstitious practices from centuries past.
“We found an article on magic in Kendal and read that they really believed in witches,” Emmie explained.
Adding to the property’s eerie history, the couple learned that a local murderer named James Hargreaves once lived in the manor house next door. This historical connection may explain why previous residents felt the need for supernatural protection. Rather than being frightened away by these discoveries, Brookman and Johnston have embraced the history, with Emmie planning to display some of the bones while returning others to the walls to maintain the home’s historical integrity.
DIY Determination Saves Thousands
The renovation has been no small undertaking. What initially seemed like a property needing minor updates revealed itself as a major project when they discovered significant moisture problems. “There was pink mould growing on the wall. It smelled really musty. Our paperwork would get soggy,” Emmie noted. Undeterred, the couple tackled the massive job of hand-chiseling the exterior wall render themselves, saving an estimated £17,000 in professional fees.
The couple has spent between £10,000 to £15,000 on renovations so far, focusing on maintaining the property’s original character and style. They’ve already completed most of the structural work, with just two bedrooms and two bathrooms left to decorate. Emmie has been particularly resourceful, sourcing reclaimed materials like radiators from an old fire station to complement the home’s historic aesthetic.
Preserving History While Creating a Home
Despite the unsettling discoveries, the couple remains enthusiastic about their renovation project. Their approach balances modern living requirements with respect for the property’s rich history. By preserving certain artifacts and incorporating period-appropriate materials, they’re ensuring that the home’s centuries of stories aren’t lost to modern renovations. The structural improvements address practical concerns while their thoughtful interior choices honor the farmhouse’s heritage.
The couple’s story serves as a reminder of the unexpected treasures and challenges that can emerge when renovating historic properties. Their willingness to embrace rather than erase these historical elements demonstrates a respect for cultural heritage that many modern renovations lack. As they continue their work, Brookman and Johnston are not just creating a home for themselves but also serving as temporary custodians of a building with centuries of stories literally embedded in its walls.
