A fresco, a murder and a radical novel

By the Editorial Team · Friday, September 18, 2026

Two historic 15th-century homes in Rye, Sussex, now owned by the same family, reveal contrasting chapters of the town’s past: one was once home to novelist Radclyffe Hall, while the other was the site of an 18th-century murder and displays a rare 16th-century fresco. These properties highlight Rye’s diverse cultural heritage and will play a role in upcoming events commemorating the centenary of Hall’s *The Well of Loneliness* in 2028.

Two historic homes in the Sussex port town of Rye, both dating to the 15th century, are now owned by members of the same family, each with markedly distinct pasts that reflect the town’s rich cultural and social history.

One of the properties, No 4 High Street, was once the residence of novelist Radclyffe Hall, born Marguerite Radclyffe-Hall, who wrote the groundbreaking lesbian-themed novel *The Well of Loneliness*. Hall and her partner Una Troubridge moved into the house in 1930, shortly after the book faced an obscenity trial that led to the destruction of many copies. The couple sought refuge in Rye, where Hall became involved in local life and the historical society, while Troubridge focused on her artistic pursuits in sculpture and translation. Hall, known for dressed in traditionally male attire and smoking a pipe, lived in Rye for four years before the couple advertised the home, then known as “Black Boy,” for sale in 1934.

The house itself dates back to roughly 1475, with features such as timber framing and an ancient cellar. Its name, “Black Boy,” is believed to trace to a nickname for King Charles II, referencing his darker complexion. Historical records indicate the building has been occupied by various tradespeople over the centuries, including a Victorian-era gunmaker and a Scottish artist named Archibald Wells, who exhibited frequently in prominent galleries.

A short distance away, No 4 Market Street, also owned by the family, holds a more violent history. Formerly known as the Flushing Inn, the property is associated with an infamous 18th-century murder. In 1743, John Breads, a butcher and possibly pub owner, fatally stabbed Allen Grebell, the deputy mayor of Rye, after mistaking him for Mayor James Lamb, on whom Breads sought revenge. Breads was convicted and executed for the crime. His body was displayed in a gibbet on local marshes, and his skull and the gibbet remain preserved at Rye’s town hall. Over time, the inn closed and the address was renumbered.

During renovations in 1905, workers at No 4 Market Street uncovered a significant historical artifact—a large fresco spanning a wall, featuring religious iconography and inscriptions such as “Soli deo honore” (“to the honour of God alone”) and biblical references. Initial reports suggested the painting, which measures approximately 16 feet by 6 feet, could date from the 14th or 15th centuries and might indicate the building functioned as a clandestine place of worship during England’s Catholic period under Edward IV. However, further analysis points to 16th-century origins, referencing heraldic symbols linked to King Edward VI and Queen Jane Seymour. The fresco remains an integral part of the house, now forming the backdrop to the current owners’ dining room.

By the early 20th century, the former inn had been converted into a boarding house, capitalizing on the fresco’s discovery and the site’s colorful past. These two properties encapsulate Rye’s layered history, illustrating intersections of literature, social upheaval, and local legend. Efforts are underway to mark the centenary of Hall’s novel in 2028 with a series of commemorative events in the town.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.