A couple embarking on an ambitious project to transform a 900-year-old church into their dream home were left horrified after uncovering a staggering 83 skeletons buried beneath the floorboards. Lucy Thomas, 53, and her husband Rhys, 45, purchased the historic Grade I listed St Peters Church in Peterstone Wentlooge, Wales, at auction for £405,000, only to face an unexpected archaeological discovery during renovations.
An Unexpected Discovery During Renovations
When the Thomases first viewed the property, listed as a five-bedroom house, they assumed the conversion work had already been completed. However, they quickly realised the church, founded in 1142, required a complete overhaul. As part of the renovation process, an archaeologist was present during initial excavations, warning the couple they might find "five or six" bodies, as historically influential or wealthy individuals were often buried within church floors.
"We didn't know this, so we were a bit apprehensive," Lucy explained. "But they said we would only find about five or six bodies. When they started digging, it became apparent there was a lot more than we first envisioned."
Shocking Revelation Beneath the Floor
The couple were "shocked" when, after removing the flooring, "body after body" appeared. Initially, the discovery was "uncomfortable," but they gradually warmed to the process. Lucy noted that people were buried together—husbands and wives, parents with children—leading them to decide to leave the remains in their final resting places out of respect.
"We decided to leave them in their final resting places and continue the build around them," she said. The couple then re-laid a new floor on top of the skeletons, incorporating underfloor heating into the design.
A Four-Year Labour of Love
The renovation project, which the family has only just completed after purchasing the church in 2021, was described as a "huge battle and accomplishment." Bought just after the Covid-19 pandemic through Rightmove, the property required extensive planning permission from the council, delaying work for the first 18 months.
"It was a bit of a challenging job," Rhys admitted. "We just learnt as we went along. We spent lots of time googling and joining listed building groups."
Preserving History While Adding Modern Touches
The couple removed the 100-year-old floor themselves, with a stonemason relaying it outside as a patio while maintaining all original engravings. A local builder led the conversion, centred around a mezzanine flitch frame that allowed them to preserve many of the church's original features.
"We also have a bell tower and bell ringers to maintain them—but we had to repair the bells and install new ropes to ring the eight bells!" Lucy added. "It's been a bit of a challenge—but we've got there eventually."
Transformation into a Luxury Retreat
Despite preserving historical elements, the family incorporated modern amenities, including secondary glazing on windows, underfloor heating, a snooker table, grand piano, bar area, and a large hot tub. The once-dilapidated church is now a breathtaking six-bedroom, six-bathroom property listed on Airbnb.
Lucy expressed pride in the accomplishment, crediting their children, architects, builders, and Rhys for managing finances and paperwork. "We have put our hearts and souls into this—and would do it again in a heartbeat," she said.
