Georgian workers’ graffiti discovered in stately home

GRAFFITI written 190 years ago by builders has been found in the roof of a stately home.

The hidden wisecracks were found during the £5million roof repairs ongoing at Wentworth Woodhouse, the country house near Rotherham, South Yorkshire, which was once Britain’s largest private house.

They were written on a roof timber in 1830 by three craftsmen repairing the area over the gilded state room where the 4th Earl Fitzwilliam kept his paintings by Flemish artist, Anthony van Dyck.

Jack Falding, Jack Vickers and Jack Wragg had worked through a March cold snap and decided to boast about their drinking and poke fun at their boss, William Peak.

The inscription on the wood (with some faded parts which are illegible) reads: “This roof repaired March 1830, when it was cold and frosty, Jack Falding Jack Vickers Jack Wragg, They all liked drink but none to be had, The ... name was William Peak, And he had a belley [sic] like a ...”

The trust, which now owns the Grade I listed mansion, are searching for the men’s descendants.

Julie Readman, facilities manager, said: “We think the three Jacks and

William were carpenters and probably local.

“Since the 1700s many skilled trades people from South Yorkshire worked here.”

Ms Readman added: “Many secretly left their mark in similar style.

“Since we began major roof repairs in 2018, we’ve found numerous messages and even handprints dating back to 1806. It’s really an old form of graffiti. It’s fascinating and is enabling us to piece together stories of the people whose skills built and maintained this place.

“We would love to hear from Falding, Vickers, Wragg and Peak families who think they may be descendants. Plus, there are a few vital words we can’t make out in the text. Maybe our supporters have some suggestions.”

Wentworth Woodhouse was built between 1725 and 1750 and its 600ft long Palladian East Front is wider than Buckingham Palace.