Acquiring and renovating a 12th-century countryside estate is no small feat, especially when history literally surfaces during construction. Pop star Florence Welch has recently encountered such challenges while working on her sprawling Somerset property.
The acclaimed singer, famous for hits like “You’ve Got The Love,” purchased a substantial portion of this ancient estate four years ago. Since then, she has been working to unite four separate buildings—each standing independently since the 1940s—into one grand residence. However, progress has been stalled by unexpected complications, including a recent alarming discovery made by builders.
An archaeological assessment revealed the potential presence of medieval human remains beneath the 900-year-old grounds. While this adds a fascinating historical dimension, it also means that any construction must proceed with caution and comply with strict heritage regulations.
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According to a report submitted to Somerset Council by John Moore Heritage Services, there is “clear potential for archaeological remains dating to the medieval period.” The report outlines that if human remains are found, they must be carefully exhumed, recorded, and handled under a Ministry of Justice license. Additionally, all related burial sites and historical deposits will require thorough investigation and excavation.
Florence Welch, who has a deep interest in medieval history and the legacy of her new home, had previously agreed to hand over any discovered artefacts to the Somerset Museums Service. Despite owning the estate and receiving council approval to merge the buildings, she has yet to move into the impressive Grade II-listed property. The estate boasts more than 50 rooms across three stories, complete with a swimming pool and meticulously landscaped gardens.
Representatives for Florence have not yet commented on the latest developments, but it is clear that the delicate balance between preserving history and modernizing the estate poses ongoing challenges.