16th Century Painted Room, Ledbury

Details

Accessibility

There is no disabled access to the upper room.

Brief description

"At the bottom end of Church Lane, stands one of Ledbury’s oldest timber framed buildings, currently used as the Town Council Offices. It is believed to date from the end of the 15th Century, so stood in need of major restoration by the late 20th Century and work started in 1988.

When they got to one of the upstairs rooms, the restoration builders began to strip off the layers of wallpaper and paint that covered the walls. As they did so, one of them noticed an unusual painted decoration apparently painted directly onto the plaster, underneath all the other coverings. Immediately recognising that this could be a significant find, possibly dating back several hundred years, the work was halted.

English Heritage was called in and on their advice a team of restoration experts was employed to carefully remove the remaining layers. It took about 4 months to complete the task, but as the layers came off it became increasingly clear that the paintings were far more extensive than had initially been realised. They have proved to be one of the best examples of Elizabethan Wall Painting as yet discovered."

Address

1b The Homend, Ledbury HR8 1BN

Email

tourguides@ledburytowncouncil.gov.uk

Phone

01531 632306

Website

Painted Room | Ledbury town council

Directions

The Painted Room is very easy to reach from the Market Hall in the centre of Ledbury's High Street. From the Hall it is just a few steps to the bottom of Church Lane, leading away from the High Street towards St Michael's Church. The Painted Room is one of the first building you'll encounter  on the cobbled street.

Opening Times

2021: Monday to Thursday 11:00am to 1:00pm and 2:00pm to 4:00pm

Saturdays 11:00am to 1:00pm and 2:00pm to 4:00pm

Showings are every ten minutes, no need to book, just turn up and wait for the next showing.

Numbers limited to a maximum of ten persons.

Transport

Nearest bus stops:

Market House, Ledbury HR8 1DZ - via Church Ln. (2 mins)

Memorial, Ledbury HR8 1DZ - via High St.A438 (2 mins)

Amenities

A gift shop is available.