Heritage Enterprise
The Grade I listed Calverley Old Hall was considered one of the most at-risk buildings in England. Built from the 12th century onwards, it recently sat in a state of disrepair with fractured masonry and fallen timber.
The Landmark Trust have now restored and converted the site, securing it for future generations. Our grant helped to conserve a rare, near-complete chamber of wall paintings from around 1560. The wall paintings, featuring mythical creatures, emblems and floral patterns, were hidden beneath early 20th-century lath and plaster.
Public engagement at the heart
Calverley’s restoration project included workshops, events, activities and training in traditional crafts such as masonry and timberwork for volunteers, trainees and apprentices.
It provided a stepping stone for a new generation of specialists and facilitated opportunities for more than 3,000 people, including the local community, young people, people seeking asylum and those looking for employment.
Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "We are delighted to have supported the magnificent restoration and reveal of the treasure that is Calverley Old Hall. This building was long at risk, and the Landmark Trust have not just saved the building but given it new life at the heart of this area, boosting the local economy and providing a new community space for all to enjoy.
"It has also been fantastic that the project has provided apprenticeships and training opportunities, allowing many the chance to get their first hands-on heritage experience, helping to ensure that fragile heritage skills have been passed on to the next generation and connecting people and communities to their heritage.”
Find out more about Calverley's restoration.
