A couple from Lancashire were left frozen with fear after uncovering a spine-chilling message etched into the wall of their new home's cellar. Hannah and Sam, who bought the 1840s property in 2024, made the unsettling discovery while clearing out the space as part of their 'slow renovation project'.
From Terror to Tunes: The Surprising Truth Behind the Message
The pair initially entered the underground room to find the stark warning 'Death walks behind you' carved into the wall. Hannah admitted to being in 'shock' at the sight, especially as the estate agent had never mentioned the unusual decor. However, their fright was short-lived. As they looked around the damp cellar more closely, their horror quickly melted into delight.
They realised the ominous phrase was not a threat, but part of a vibrant tapestry of iconic rock and roll lyrics. The walls were actually covered in brightly painted quotes from legendary bands like Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, and Black Sabbath. What they had mistaken for a sinister message was, in fact, a display of brilliant Gen X music taste left by previous owners.
Embracing the Eccentricity in a Historic Home
Hannah and Sam, who have three children, had purchased the character-filled house knowing it needed work, documenting the restoration on Instagram. The discovery on December 8 became a viral hit on their channel, with followers equally intrigued. One fan commented on the 'awesome taste' in music, while another noted it was 'creepy at first, but cool when you realise'.
Sadly, necessary renovations to address damp meant the unique render holding the lyrics had to be removed. 'We were gutted when the render had to come off the walls, but it was simply too damp,' Hannah explained. However, the couple have a plan to preserve this quirky piece of the house's history.
Preserving a Piece of the Past
Determined not to lose the cellar's unique character, Hannah and Sam took detailed photographs of all the painted lyrics before the work began. They intend to have these images turned into prints, which they will hang on the newly treated walls once the renovation is complete. This way, the chilling yet cool discovery will remain a permanent and celebrated feature of their family home, blending the property's historic past with its new future.
