Hidden Artefacts Unearthed During Belsay Hall Renovation Reveal Wartime Life
A major renovation project at Belsay Hall, Castle, and Gardens in Northumberland has unveiled a treasure trove of hidden artefacts from World War Two. As part of the £9 million renovation effort, construction workers discovered a range of intriguing items beneath the floorboards, including telegrams, cigarette packets, and personal notes left behind by soldiers who lived at the stately home during the war.
The findings offer a rare glimpse into the lives of the men who trained at Belsay Hall, some of whom were later sent to France and evacuated from Dunkirk in the early years of the conflict. Volunteer Tony Lamsdale, who is now leading a new wartime tour at Belsay, remarked on the significance of these everyday objects. “Some of the everyday objects we found have told us so much more about what life was like there for those men,” Lamsdale said.
Among the discoveries are a brush dated 1941 used for cleaning boots and an envelope with a note, providing small but poignant insights into the daily routines and conditions of the soldiers. Melanie Hills, English Heritage's community engagement manager, noted that the artefacts also included graffiti, bus tickets with messages, and signs of leisure activities, such as a dartboard with scores scribbled on the wall.
Hills explained, “We are still unravelling the story of Belsay and what we’ve found tells us so much more about the men who were there during the war, so it’s really special to be able to share that with our visitors.”
The renovation project, named Belsay Awakes, has not only revitalized the historic site but also provided a deeper understanding of its wartime history. As the project progresses, visitors to Belsay Hall will have the opportunity to explore these newly discovered aspects of the past, enriching their experience and appreciation of the historic site.
A £9 million renovation project at Belsay Hall, Castle, and Gardens in Northumberland has uncovered a remarkable collection of World War Two artefacts, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of soldiers who once resided there. During the renovation, workers discovered a range of items beneath the floorboards, including telegrams, cigarette packets, and personal notes, all revealing aspects of wartime life.
Volunteer Tony Lamsdale, who now leads a new wartime tour at Belsay, expressed the significance of these finds: “Some of the everyday objects we found have told us so much more about what life was like there for those men.” Among the discovered items are a brush used for cleaning boots and an envelope with a handwritten note, shedding light on the daily experiences of the soldiers stationed at the hall.
Melanie Hills, English Heritage’s community engagement manager, highlighted additional discoveries such as graffiti, bus tickets, and remnants of leisure activities like a dartboard. “We are still unraveling the story of Belsay and what we’ve found tells us so much more about the men who were there during the war, so it’s really special to be able to share that with our visitors,” she said.
The renovation, part of the Belsay Awakes project, has not only restored the historic site but also deepened the understanding of its wartime significance. Visitors will now be able to explore these newly uncovered aspects of history, enhancing their appreciation of Belsay Hall’s rich past.