by Trevor Dale
The scaffolding is down and the restoration is being revealed, albeit behind the construction equipment. Many have expressed delight at the standard of the restoration that we can see with the shrouding removed. The work left almost all the original timbers in place and hence the roofline maintains its delightfully wonky line. This is truly a beautiful addition to our High Street. Exterior work will focus on extending the porch to cover the access areas and renovate the hanging tiles, removing the unsightly mortar.
While much of the cottage is still obscured by the contractor’s equipment, more history has been revealed within. The interior wood has been very carefully cleaned by a specialist company. It was a difficult decision. We did not want to damage and destroy any historical detail, but the reverse has happened. The finer detail of the timber structure has been exposed, the wood is now significantly lighter in colour, improving the look and feel of the rooms.
It has also revealed apotropaic markings. Apotropaic is derived from Greek meaning to turn away or avert, and here refers to symbols believed to ward off malign spirits. I’ve mentioned these in a previous article, but fresh symbols have been revealed. There are several candle burns near the stairway door and where an upper floor window used to be. There are also three circles carved into the wood near the original front door. All these are believed to date to the 16th and 17thcenturies.
Upstairs we are leaving exposed half the wall shown here, with exposed wattle and daub, albeit covered with protective clear glass. This will allow the construction method, dating back over 500years, to be displayed and add to the overall atmosphere of the room.
Looking ahead, the first fix of heating and wiring is coming in the next few weeks as is some small disruption as we connect to our own mains water and power supplies. We are at the mercy of the Utilities for that.
We are on target to open late Summer and have been talking to possible clients. They have, without exception, expressed amazement at what has already been achieved. We have also recruited guides for heritage visits. If you’re interested in using this local treasure with unparalleled heritage atmosphere, enhanced with state of the art facilities, get in touch, through the website or email [email protected].
FURTHER SUPPORT FOR THE PROJECT
Several fresh volunteers have joined the Cranleigh Heritage Trust team, helping plan the future uses and develop our plan to benefit as much of the community as possible. We are actively seeking new members to join the team now that we have a live project. If you believe you have skills and time to use them that would be helpful to a heritage project, please get in touch.
To get in touch email
theteam@cranleighheritage trust.org.uk.
To register an expression of interest in future use of the facilities please write to us with the following information:
1. Brief description of what you offer and the benefits to clients and customers.
2. Say if and where you currently offer this service and why people would use the cottage to meet you.
3. Brief declaration of support for the project in general.
4. Return name and address and any website or social media links.
Thank you so much!
Trustees Trevor Dale – Chair; Howard Barratt; Jane Briggs; Chris Bulley; Sue Dale; Nigel West. Advisors Bob Callard – architect; Joanna James – business advisor, Michael Miller and Joy Horn, history advisors.
Visit our website
www.cranleighheritagetrust.org.uk
