I have just finished reading an interesting article about Paycocke’s house in Coggeshall. The home dates back to 1510 and was built by Thomas Paycocke as a testament to his growing wealth generated by the wool and cloth trade in the 16th century.
Paycocke House
It features beams that are decoratively carved and engraved with the initials of Thomas and his wife Margaret. There is also an acorn sized face believed to have been left as a signature by the carver.
The impressive Tudor house now belongs to the National Trust and is open to the public but its custodian, Natalie, lives in the house with her partner. She claims to share the house with some ancient guests.
“It is most definitely haunted. I didn’t believe in those things when I first moved in here, but now I definitely do,” she added.
A 500 year old house that bore witness to many different owners over the years, rumoured to house gates that were taken from a nearby Abbey at the time of its dissolution. I imagine that with all this history it is most definitely haunted!
On Saturday 28th August, the house is hosting special Tudor events to mark its 500th birthday. Make your own tussie mussie, try writing with a quill, meet some Tudors, explore the house and join in with Tudor dancing (Saturday 12-4pm). There will also be demonstrations all weekend by the Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers.
A tussie mussie is a posy of flowers, typically given as a gift. They have existed in some form since medieval times when they were carried or worn to mask the unpleasant smells of the time. In Tudor times they were made from strong smelling flowers or herbs. They were also thought to protect people from diseases such as the plague. They rose to popularity during the reign of Queen Victoria when they became very fashionable.
For more information on visiting this historic property visit the National Trust.
Read the full article here.
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