An intricate communications system not seen for generations has been uncovered during work to refurbish historic Northwood House at Cowes.
The bell pull system is similar but probably older than those featured in period dramas such as Downton Abbey.
Installed possibly 200 years ago to summon servants, the system comprises hundreds of cables, each running in its own brass tube that appear to criss-cross the entire Northwood House building. Several large ‘switching boxes’ full of handmade brass levers, springs, pulleys and mechanisms that allowed the bell pull cables to both change direction and even change floors were also uncovered.
The discovery came during the major £50,000 renovation project at the House financed through a grant from the Department for Communities and Local Government’s Coastal Revival Fund and administered by the Isle of Wight Council.
Under the restoration project the historic 1830s bar ceiling, which originally was a Victorian Billiards room, is being strengthened and repaired alongside core structural work to repair the roof and floor above the bar area and main corridors.
As the floorboards were raised as part of this work, some of them for the first time in perhaps 200 years, the scope and complexity of the House’s original bell pull system, became evident.
Tim Wander Northwood House Charitable Trust Co Ltd’s project manager said:
“What has been uncovered is essentially a Victorian communication hub. It is another fascinating glimpse into the previous workings of this house that never fails to throw up historical surprises. It is fascinating to look at the work of carpenters and workmen that has not been seen the light of day for a very long time.
Article continues below this advertisement “The entire system has now been carefully replaced under the floors. The volunteers are always happy to help, they are not keen for the system to be reinstated any time soon!”
The project has also been recorded in detail by Christ the King College in Carisbrooke, who dispatched photography students to photograph the area before work began.
The project is on target to be completed at the end of this month and every effort has been made not to disturb the Charity’s commercial tenants and the many visitors to the park and grounds. Alongside the Coastal Revival Fund funded works the Charity has also taken the opportunity to undertake a much needed upgrade of some of the main House electrical boards.
Photographed L-R: Steve Berden and Ross Walmsley from the IW Exploration group being shown Northwood House’s recently revealed secrets
