A British couple was left stunned when they found a medieval gargoyle hidden inside their bathroom.
Tracy and Rory Vorster were cleaning their bathroom when they made the “grotesque” discovery—a stone-carved sprite concealed under a wooden panel.
The couple searched for answers after removing the shelf in their Grade-I listed rental home (a building or site listed as having exceptional national, architectural, or historical importance).
Experts at Lincoln Cathedral believe the ghoulish figure forms part of a historical drainage system dating back to the 14th century.
“I couldn’t believe it,” said the father of three. “I shouted up to my wife and said ‘I’ve found a thing’.
“The whole of the house has kind of a hollow walling, so we immediately thought there could be more. In fact we’re almost certain now.
“The previous occupant had been here for over 20 years, so surely they knew, but we had absolutely no clue it was there.”
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The couple just moved in on March 1 and Tracy just thought it was a shelf, and wasn’t sure why people decided to cover it up.
Their home on Vicars Court is owned by Lincoln Cathedral and is believed to be the home of a former vicar.
“It was well documented (back) to the 14th century but not that many people around here know it. It would have been for a vicar (and) I think it was like a kitchen sink.”
A Survey of Ancient Houses in Lincoln Vol. II says: Houses to the South and West of the Minster in 1887 first recorded the carving as a “grotesque mask which forms the drain.”
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“Because we don’t own the house we can’t just pull down the wall.
“My plans for it are to just enjoy it, because of how interesting it is. I have a desire to upkeep it.
“It makes it even more special. The house is so interesting.”
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