Florence Welch's renovations of £1.9m 12th century country pile hit by fresh setbacks after builders raise fears over digging up medieval SKELETONS
Buying a 12th century estate in the middle of the countryside is not for the faint-hearted, with spooky stories lying round every corner and planning problems making moving a pain.
And Florence Welch suffered a nightmare discovery after builders working on her Somerset pile raised fears of digging up medieval skeletons.
The You've Got The Love singer, 38, bought most of the large portion of land four years ago and quickly commenced plans to unify four buildings which have stood alone since the 1940s.
She has still not completed her move, however, after being beset with issues including the most recent deathly discovery.
An archaeological document revealed that groundwork on the 900-year-old estate could excavate ancient human bones, as well as more welcome historical artefacts, The Sun reports.
A source close to the ambitious project said: 'Florence has owned three of the buildings and the estate for four years and is fascinated with medieval history and the history of her new home in particular.
She has still not completed her move to the large portion of land bought four years ago after being beset with issues including the most recent deathly discovery (Stock Photo)
'She knew the fourth might be coming up for sale so when she was able to buy it in 2023 she snapped it up.
'It enables her to work towards her dream of living in an ancient, gothic-style building and enjoying time away from.'
A report submitted by John Moore Heritage Services to Somerset Council explained that there was 'clear potential for archaeological remains dating to the medieval period'.
The document continued: 'If human remains are encountered and have to be removed, they will be cleaned, recorded and lifted in accordance with a Ministry of Justice licence.
'Exhumation and post-excavation treatment will be carried out in accordance with published …All associated deposits, e.g. pyre sites, mausolea and mortuary enclosures, will also be fully investigated and excavated.'
MailOnline has contacted representives for Florence for comment.
The Florence And The Machine star previously agreed that she will hand over any medieval artefacts to the Somerset Museums Service.
She has still not moved into the impressive Grade II-listed property which incorporates four buildings in plans approved by the local council.
The sprawling estate boasts more than 50 rooms across three stories, a swimming pool and landscaped gardens.
The move would realise a dream for The Dog Days Are Over hitmaker who has long expressed a desire to live in a building steeped with history.
She told Vogue in 2011: 'I really want a gothic castle, or a church, but I haven't had time because I've only been home for two weeks in the last year.'
Records suggest that no neighbours have objected to the plans, but they could disturb a former occupant of the property, namely, a ghost.
According to local folklore, the spectre of a grey lady has been spotted on the historic property.
The eerie female figure was seen there in the 1970s according to one book about the local legends of the area.
It is not known whether Florence is aware of the 'grey lady' that may reside in her new abode, but the musician is known to be in touch with her spiritual side.
The songwriter has explored in her music ideas of the supernatural, the occult, witchcraft, pagan practices, and Wiccan traditions.
'I spent a lot of time in front of books and old historic buildings convinced that ghosts were real, vampires existed, and having a really heightened sense of those type of things happening around me,' she told Vice in 2015.
The star even started a witch coven in school. 'Me and my two friends made these spell books where we'd try to do spells on our classmates,' she told the publication.
Perhaps having a supernatural presence on her new estate will be a bonus for the spiritual singer.
Florence has previously refused to define her spirituality but says her mother, vice-chancellor of Bristol University, Evelyn Welch, has labelled her an 'animist'.
An animist believes that objects, places, and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence.
The indie singer's 'earliest spiritual moment' came to her as a child in Camberwell, south London, where she grew up and still lives, according to an interview in the New York Times Style, Australia.
She remembers 'just looking at beams of light coming through her bedroom window and feeling connected to something larger,' the magazine reported in December.
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Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Our neighbours have painted their posh homes black to deter influencers taking pics – but we've taken different approach
TOK OFF! Our neighbours have painted their posh homes black to deter influencers taking pics – but we've taken different approach Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) RESIDENTS of a world famous London neighbourhood have painted their homes black to put off idiot influencers - but others are resorting to more drastic measures. Locals living in swanky, colourful homes in and around Hillgate Village, Notting Hill, say TikTokers and tourists are ruining their lives. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 11 Homeowners have begun painting their homes black to put off infleuncers Credit: Alamy 11 Annoying content creators posing outside the famous Bankrobber house Credit: Peter Jordan 11 Homeowner Diane has gone to desperate measures to put off unwanted visitors Credit: Douglas Simpson A small collection of former slum houses, the neighbourhood is now home to the wealthy, with property prices in the millions. It was made famous worldwide by the 1999 film Notting Hill starring Hugh Grant, with the area's bright and pastel-coloured homes continually being swamped with TikTokers doing impromptu photo shoots and dance videos for years. Residents have told how "vain" influencers sit on their steps, peer in their windows and litter on the street. Now, several homeowners in Hillgate Village and the surrounding area have taken drastic measures to curb the "irritating" visitors. Some are dumping rubbish outside, while others are putting up chains, while one plans to chuck a bucket of water over any unwanted tourists. Diane, who lives in a pastel blue house on Hillgate Place, told The Sun that she "doesn't clean the front" of her house and leaves piles of rubbish dumped outside. She hopes to make her home a less attractive backdrop for photo shoots and has employed the unusual tactic to help maintain her privacy. Diane is also deliberately neglecting to repaint her house. She said: "My privacy is interrupted, these houses go for a lot of money and sometimes it gets to the point that it's not even worth it." Residents on nearby Lancaster Road have taken to repainting their houses black or dark blue to contrast to the pastel colours. Restaurant loved by celebs and royals has to close after it's infested with rats Some residents spoke of taking more extreme measures, Patricia Smith, who lives on Hillgate Place said the issue has "got worse and worse year by year". She added that she "wishes she had a bucket of water to pour over them [the influencers]." Residents have put up privacy signs, CCTV, chains and ropes at their front doors in a desperate bid to discourage the hoards of influencers. Despite the locals' best efforts, "hundreds" of influencers still show up to snap pics in front of their homes. Residents told of TikTokers lugging around tripods, changing tents and professional cameras to be used in extended photo shoots outside their front doors. They also use garden fences as clothes racks and leave their possessions on residents cars, and several locals have had to shoo them away. One resident, who asked not to be named, said: "In the last few years it's gotten really out of hand, people are quite rude actually. 'They just leave rubbish all over. 'You can hardly move sometimes. I think it's a shame because there's nobody famous living here. 11 Diane leaves rubbish outside her home, and has stopped cleaning it Credit: Douglas Simpson 11 Michael Freeman said residents have had to put up with the issue for years Credit: Douglas Simpson 11 The brightly coloured, pastel homes attract hundreds of visitors Credit: Alamy "If you ask someone 'why are you taking a picture' they look at you blankly like you're mad." The resident went on to say the neighbourhood has become an "influencers paradise" with other locals calling it a "pain in the arse". Brent, who lives on Callcott Street, said: "I often have to tell them to get off the steps because they don't realise the difference between the pavement and the steps. "It's incessant, its irritating. When people just come up and think it's a nice background because the doors purple and take a photo I resent it." Locals are subject to dozens of visitors a day with hundreds coming during the holidays, weekends and when the weather is nice. My privacy is interrupted, these houses go for a lot of money and sometimes it gets to the point that it's not even worth it Diane They tell horror stories of influencers propping phones against their doors and dancing in front of their windows, completely disregarding residents' privacy. Michael Freeman, a photographer who lives on Callcott street, said: 'We've been here for years, it wasn't meant to be a tourist attraction. "When we moved in, a lot of the houses had regular brick finishes. "We went to some trouble to paint it, in the process of gentrification neighbours started to do it. 'It's only in the last few years because of social media that it's become a tourist attraction for heavens sake." Why are the homes in Hillgate Village pastel coloured? The brick and stucco homes have only become pastel coloured after WW2 as the area has become increasingly affluent. Kensington & Chelsea council has since designated Hillgate Village a 'character area'. There remains some homes in the village which have the original brickwork exposed. The area was once described as a "slum" and the homes were lived in by brick makers, blacksmiths, and coach drivers. Hillgate was nicknamed 'The Racks' and had a rough reputation for a century, until the area become popular in the post-war period. He continued: 'At some point, clearly it became promoted on foreign sites. "Of course it's an invasion of privacy, particularly at a weekend it's full of people walking around taking pictures. It's a bit silly." Michael went on to call Hillgate Village a 'TikTok village' and said tourists flocked to the coloured houses mistaking them for movie locations. Referencing the romcom Notting Hill, also starring Julia Roberts, which features a home with a blue door, he said: 'It's frustrating. Any blue door would do, you find people photographing opposite the wrong blue door. 'It's to do with social media. It's now been taken over by tourists, this street in particular. "It is a bit annoying when people start climbing on steps. Yesterday I had to go out, some girls put their stuff on the hood of my car. A few times I've had to shoo people off. 'It's obviously popular because they're clean, bright colourful backgrounds. 'Some [influencers] are thoughtless in a way, a couple of girls a few weeks ago were sitting on my neighbours steps having lunch and left their rubbish there.' 11 Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts star in the 1999 film Notting Hill 11 Residents in Notting HIll famously have colourful houses Credit: Alamy 11 A quiet zone sign on a black fence indicating private property and no trespassing Credit: Alamy The famous blue door which features in the movie, is in fact a mile away from Hillgate Village. Homes all across Notting Hill are painted in bright or pastel colours and have been used in several films and TV series, the nearby Portobello Market also attracts thousands of tourists a year. While The Sun was there this week an Italian tourist, who was visiting London for one day, arrived to take photos. Beadrice, ignoring the other attractions London has to offer, said that despite only having a day in the Big Smoke she was desperate to use her time visiting the colourful Notting Hill streets. Beadrice said: 'We are here just for one day, we're doing a super fast trip. I think that this district is famous for the film. I think that this is one of the most characteristic districts of London. "We're not taking photos for Instagram. We take photos for memories.' Despite being drawn by the film Notting Hill, Beadrice and her friends were far from any location used in the making of the Richard Curtis-directed comedy movie in which a US film star falls in love with a shy Brit bookshop owner. Patricia Smith who lives on Hillgate Place, said: "They're here the whole time, especially on Saturdays, it's a joke, they're very funny, very vain. "It's very intrusive - they sit on your steps and don't even get out the way. The behaviour is really extraordinary. 'They're not interested in your privacy they're interested in their own self importance. It's a bit sad if that's their main ambition in life. 'It tells more about them than it does about us, the vanity, I've seen people prop their phones on doorknobs and then dance, they come with little tents and change clothes and everything. 'It is irritating, sometimes I wish I had a bucket of water to pour over them. It's not a massive problem but it is an irritation because they don't respect your privacy. "They actually assume it's okay whereas it's actually not, these are our properties. It's just got worse and worse and worse year by year." 'There's nothing you can do it about it' Diane, who deliberately leaves the front of her house uncleaned and unpainted, added: 'It's very nice that people like our houses enough to want to photograph them. "But you get people who are influencers and they bring lots of gear with them, cameras, tripods, it's really annoying because they're talking outside and there's nothing you can do about it. "They sometimes do photo shoots, professional ones are fine, they're well organised and they don't upset anybody. "It's quite annoying when they don't ask the council for permission, it's disruptive. I don't want people to take photographs of my home. "I don't clean the front because I don't want people taking photographs. "If the weather is nice there's a lot of people. They come and sit on the steps which is private, I would tell them to move but some people don't feel they can. They hang their clothes on the railings, I have to tell them to move it. 'My privacy is interrupted, these houses go for a lot of money. Sometimes it gets point that it's not even worth it.' On nearby streets residents have taken to leaving out donation tins as a way of asking for compensation for the influencers intrusions. Andrew, who lives on Westbourne Park Road, just round the corner from the famous blue door, said his neighbours have taken to putting up ropes and chains to stop entitled influencers sitting on their front steps. He said: "They are oblivious to you completely. You just have to walk past them if they are in the middle of their photograph." Is your street overrun with annoying influencers and tourists? Email 11 Piles of rubbish are often left behind Credit: Peter Jordan
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Prince Harry's latest stunt sends a terrible message – the King should sever him for good, says expert
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PRINCE Harry has reportedly considered changing his surname to Spencer, stepping away from his family's name, Mountbatten-Windsor. While reports say the Duke of Sussex was counselled against the decision by Princess Diana's brother, Earl Spencer, royal experts have claimed that it 'sends a message' to the royals. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Prince Harry should be cut off by King Charles after wanting to 'ditch' his Mountbatten-Windsor surname, claims a royal expert Credit: Getty 7 It was reported that Harry has reportedly considered changing his surname to Spencer, after Princess Diana Credit: AFP 7 Harry is said to have consulted Diana's brother, Earl Spencer about the idea Credit: Getty Speaking on The Sun's Royal Exclusive show, former Sun Royal Correspondent Charles Rae said: 'I think as well that this is another Harry not knowing what he wants to do. 'It was only less than a month ago that he was pleading for a reconciliation with his father and his brother. 'And the next thing we hear, and I think the story was well sourced, he wants to change the name from Mountbatten-Windsor to Spencer. 'Well, that is sending a terrible message to the royal family that he doesn't really want a reconciliation. 'He wants to be completely severed from the royal family. 'And I think the king should grant his wish. 'I think he should sever him from the royal family.' The 40-year-old asked Princess Diana's brother - Earl Spencer - for advice during a visit to the UK, it is claimed. But the Duke of Sussex was reportedly told the legal side of doing so would be too difficult. A friend of Harry's told the Mail: "They had a very amicable conversation and Spencer advised him against taking such a step." There's nothing much left of 'erratic' Harry in terms of a man, he's just watching Meghan crack on Royal correspondent Sarah Hewson added on Royal Exclusive: 'I mean, is it to send a message to the royal family? 'Is it to say, 'ok, fine, you don't want to talk to us, then we're not a part of this anymore'. 'Is it because he feels much closer to his Spencer relatives? 'They are the ones who turned up for the 10th anniversary Invictus service at St Paul's, for example. 7 If Prince Harry changed his surname, his daughter would be known as Lilibet Diana Spencer Credit: Instagram 7 On The Sun's Royal Exclusive show Charles Raw and Sarah Hewson spoke to host Bronte Coy Credit: Supplied 'There weren't any members of the royal family there. Is it to honour his mother? 'Some more cynical commentators have suggested, well, it would be very good marketing in the United States to have the Spencer name and Lilibet would then be Lilibet Diana Spencer.' SURNAME CONFUSION Harry's children go by Mountbatten-Windsor - which combines the Royal Family's name of Windsor and the Duke of Edinburgh's surname. However, Meghan Markle claimed in her Netflix show that her surname is now Sussex. The couple became the Sussexes when the late Queen gave them the titles when they married in 2018. 7 Meghan said on Netflix that her surname is Sussex Credit: Netflix Harry previously had the title Prince Henry of Wales. But on his wedding day, he became The Duke of Sussex, a title which had been vacant since 1843. Meghan was seen to firmly correct Mindy Kaling after her friend called her Markle on her Netflix show. In an episode on With Love, Meghan, the Duchess said: "It's so funny you keep saying 'Meghan Markle' – you know I'm Sussex now. "You have kids and you go, 'No, I share my name with my children'. "I didn't know how meaningful it would be to me but it just means so much to go 'This is OUR family name. Our little family name.' " Mountbatten-Windsor is the surname of descendants of the late Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. 7 Relations have been tense between Prince Harry and his UK family in recent years Credit: Getty Questions were raised when Harry and Meghan called their daughter a princess for the first time in 2023, when her christening was announced. The children were then officially named as prince and princess on the Royal Family's official website. Archie and Lilibet are sixth and seventh in line to the throne. Before their titles were listed as prince and princess on the royal website, they were down as Master Archie Mountbatten-Windsor and Miss Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor. They gained the titles when King Charles became the King, as they are grandchildren of the monarch.
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
EastEnders actress Alice Haig reveals exactly what the old Vicki Fowler star said to her after she took over her role
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EASTENDERS actress Alice Haig revealed exactly what her predecessor as Vicki Fowler said to her after taking on the role. Alice, 40, assumed the role of returning character Vicki earlier this year. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Alice Haig began playing EastEnders' Vicki Fowler earlier this year Credit: BBC 4 The actress spoke to The Sun at this year's British Soap Awards Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 4 Previous Vicki actress Scarlett Alice Johnson reached out to Alice Credit: BBC She took over from previous star Scarlett Alice Johnson, who played the part over 20 years ago. Speaking to The Sun at the British Soap Awards, Alice confirmed her predecessor had reached out. She told us: "Scarlett sent me a beautiful email wishing me luck and being incredibly kind. "It was a lovely thing to get. She said it's great fun playing Vicki Fowler and I couldn't agree more." The Sun previously told how Scarlett turned down the chance to reprise her role as Vicki. Bosses of EastEnders had hoped to win Scarlett back after her portrayal of Vicki developed a cult following online - two decades after her last appearance. The actress originally took on the role in 2003 but left once again just a little over a year later and hasn't been seen since. A spokesperson for Scarlett told The Sun: 'Scarlett was approached, and was flattered to be asked to return, but the timing wasn't right for her to step back into the role. "She wishes Alice Haig and the show all the very best'. Meanwhile, Alice also told us at the Soap Awards: "In all honesty, I think in soap world we suspend our disbelief. We're changing actors. EastEnders' original Vicki Fowler actress Scarlett Alice Johnson TURNED DOWN epic soap comeback for 40th anniversary - as role is recast "Once you're bedded in for a bit, you are the character and you do what you do. "I think what I'm really interested in is trying to find flavours of Michelle - her mum. "As opposed to trying to copy Scarlett, who was fantastic and her own person. "It's much better to be who you are and to try and play it as truthfully as you can, for you." Soap characters who've been recast Soap operas are staple viewing for many people, but even some of the most famous characters have been played by different actors. Here are some examples from over the years. Coronation Street Tracy Barlow : Kate Ford took on the role of Corrie legend Tracy Barlow in 2002. Before Kate, three other actresses had played Tracy - most notably Dawn Acton from 1988 to 1999. : Kate Ford took on the role of Corrie legend Tracy Barlow in 2002. Before Kate, three other actresses had played Tracy - most notably Dawn Acton from 1988 to 1999. Nick Tilsley: Ben Price has been playing Gail's oldest child in 2009, but the former Footballers' Wives star is the third actor to take on the part. Ben Price has been playing Gail's oldest child in 2009, but the former Footballers' Wives star is the third actor to take on the part. Sarah Platt: Although Tina O'Brien debuted as Sarah Platt in 1999, she is the third actress who has played the iconic role of Sarah Platt. Although Tina O'Brien debuted as Sarah Platt in 1999, she is the third actress who has played the iconic role of Sarah Platt. David Platt: Completing the line-up of Gail's children, David was initially played by Thomas Ormson for a decade before Jack P. Shepherd took over. Completing the line-up of Gail's children, David was initially played by Thomas Ormson for a decade before Jack P. Shepherd took over. Daniel Osbourne: For almost a decade, the role of Ken Barlow's son Daniel has been portrayed by actor Rob Mallard. Before Rob joined, two other actors had previously played Daniel. For almost a decade, the role of Ken Barlow's son Daniel has been portrayed by actor Rob Mallard. Before Rob joined, two other actors had previously played Daniel. Bethany Platt: Fans know Lucy Fallon as Bethany nowadays but before her, three other actresses had stepped into the character's shoes. Fans know Lucy Fallon as Bethany nowadays but before her, three other actresses had stepped into the character's shoes. Kirk Sutherland: Before Andy Whyment took on the role of Kirk, he played by an uncredited actor in his very first appearance. Before Andy Whyment took on the role of Kirk, he played by an uncredited actor in his very first appearance. Todd Grimshaw: Gareth Pierce stepped into the role of Todd back in 2020, becoming the second performer to play this part. Gareth Pierce stepped into the role of Todd back in 2020, becoming the second performer to play this part. Summer Spellman: Harriet Bibby became the second actress to play Summer, taking over the role from Matilda Freeman in 2020. Harriet Bibby became the second actress to play Summer, taking over the role from Matilda Freeman in 2020. Ryan Connor: Ryan Prescott currently plays the long-running character, but Ben Thompson and Sol Heras had earlier portrayed the role. EastEnders Martin Fowler: Although Martin was the first baby born on-screen in EastEnders, he hasn't always been played by the same person. His current portrayer, James Bye, is the third actor to star as the character. Although Martin was the first baby born on-screen in EastEnders, he hasn't always been played by the same person. His current portrayer, James Bye, is the third actor to star as the character. Peter Beale: Seven actors have portrayed Ian Beale's elder son, with the current actor, Thomas Law, in his second stint as the character. Seven actors have portrayed Ian Beale's elder son, with the current actor, Thomas Law, in his second stint as the character. Ben Mitchell: Ben has been played by a total of six actors - with Max Bowden bowing out of the role in March 2024. Ben has been played by a total of six actors - with Max Bowden bowing out of the role in March 2024. Bobby Beale: Before Clay Milner Russell, Ian's younger son had been played by four other actors. Before Clay Milner Russell, Ian's younger son had been played by four other actors. Freddie Slater : Bobby's best mate, Freddie Slater, had been previously played by twins Alex and Tom Kilby before Bobby Brazier took over in 2022. : Bobby's best mate, Freddie Slater, had been previously played by twins Alex and Tom Kilby before Bobby Brazier took over in 2022. Chelsea Fox: Former Coronation Street actress Zaraah Abrahams took over the role of Chelsea in 2020. The character had been first played by Tiana Benjamin from 2006 to 2010. Former Coronation Street actress Zaraah Abrahams took over the role of Chelsea in 2020. The character had been first played by Tiana Benjamin from 2006 to 2010. Lauren Branning: Jacqueline Jossa took on the role of Lauren in 2010, succeeding Madeline Duggan who'd played her from 2006 to 2010. Jacqueline Jossa took on the role of Lauren in 2010, succeeding Madeline Duggan who'd played her from 2006 to 2010. Johnny Carter: Johnny has been played by three actors since debuting in 2013 - most recently, Charlie Suff has taken on the role. Acting appears to run in Alice's family, as the new star has a famous film star dad. Upon Vicki's return to Albert Square, she was joined by new partner Ross and his teenage son Joel. Viewers discovered she had broken up with long-term love Spencer Moon off-screen. EastEnders airs on BBC One and iPlayer.
