Rare medieval wall paintings have been uncovered in a loft space during restoration of fifteenth-century First Court at Christ's College, with support from Gonville & Caius College Fellow Dr Christina Faraday.

Three crowned motifs on a plain white background, likely to date from the early sixteenth century, depict a red Lancastrian rose in the centre, with a portcullis to the left, and a probable fleur-de-lis on the right.

First established as God's House in 1437, and moved to the present site in 1448, the College was re-founded as Christ’s College in 1505 by Henry VII’s mother, Lady Margaret Beaufort. The portcullis was the badge of the Beaufort family.

University of Cambridge art historian Dr Faraday, who specialises in Tudor visual and material culture, said: “This is a really exciting and unusual discovery, revealing the ways that the College celebrated and advertised its royal patron during the early years of the sixteenth century, following its re-founding."

For the full story, visit the Christ's College website.

Photo credit: Tobit Curteis Associates LLP