as long as wall in fairly good condition (no cracks) then yes you can just paint it. or if your concerned about a few hair line cracks then you can buy completly plain white wall paper that is made to cover up tiny cracks. just whack some paint on over that. about 2 quid a roll of that paper.
I have recently found out i am related to the Cockayne family who at one point owned Rushton Hall. Is anyone else related and/or does anyone know any history of the Hall when owned around the time of the Cockayne family which is not listed on Rushton Halls website.