An 18th century barn has been revealing some of its secrets after a huge mirror was taken down.

Gill and John Haynes were moving their Chic Interiors from another unit at the Courtyard Centre, Lytchett Minster into the barn, and decided on some refurbishment.

“There was a big mirror stuck on the wall which had been there for years and years,” said John.

They took the four foot square mirror down and were amazed by what was underneath.

“Behind it I found an alcove of glass and underneath was exposed the mud wall which is what the barn was built of,” said John.

“The date 1720 was written by a finger and preserved on the mud.”

Also behind the glass was a horseshoe and a card containing writing, which sadly is ineligible.

A nearby farmer confirmed that the barn was built in 1720 and the couple believe the original wall may have been exposed around 30 years ago when the barn was converted.

The house, Cottage Farm, was originally built in early 1700 and the long barn 20 years later. In Victorian times it was extended as a dairy farm and became a store in 1975.

By 1985 it was virtually derelict before being tak-en over and the Court-yard Centre was built between 1986 and 1990.

Part of the Courtyard Centre is said to be haunted by a ‘Lady in Black’, who moves items around, and the Witch of Lytchett, Sandy Cristel, has been involved in pacifying her.

John has made a feature of the forgotten alcove and believes the horseshoe is a symbol of good luck.

“We were amazed to find it and hope people will come and see it,” he said.