A 142-YEAR-OLD letter to William Morris from architect Philip Webb has been discovered beneath the floorboards of Red House.

The rare find, which has excited historians and attracted national media interest, was made by a National Trust volunteer during a rewiring project at the Bexleyheath site.

Anna McEvoy discovered the letter dated November 18, 1864, under the exposed joists of a guest bedroom. It was sent by Morris’ great friend and Red House designer Philip Webb in an attempt to cheer up the designer at a time of great woe.

Miss McEvoy whose partner Gary Marshall is the National Trust archaeologist for the region, described how she made the discovery.

She said: "I saw a piece of paper quite far down the floorboards. It was in very good condition, and as I opened it up I saw the date 1864.

"When I read the words My Dear Morris at the top and Yours Ever Philip Webb at the bottom I just went mad. It was amazing. It was dark because there was no electricity to I went to the window and started reading it."

The letter is written in ink on all four faces of a single, folded sheet of paper and came at a crucial moment in the history of Red House.

William Morris devotees have been astounded by the find because it was written at a time when Morris was undergoing a series of both personal and professional crises. There are also no letters written by Morris for 1864 surviving in the original form.

Miss McEvoy said: "From personal experience this type of discovery is very, very rare. We still can’t believe what good condition it was in.

"People are always interested in William Morris, and because Red House has very few artifacts, everyone is quite excited."

It is hoped the letter can go on display at Red House when it re-opens in March.