Jun 17, 2011
Work gets underway at Hussey Tower, Boston
Repairs at Hussey Tower, a scheduled ancient monument and Grade II* listed building, have begun following a long campaign by Heritage Lincolnshire to save one of Boston's nationally important historic monuments. Funding has been confirmed by WREN, the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Wash Fens Partnership, Boston Borough Council and Lincolnshire County Council.
Heritage Lincolnshire acts as local manager of Hussey Tower, which is over 550 years old, on behalf of the owners, Boston Borough Council.
Although some repairs have been carried out in the past, the structure has been gradually declining for many years now, but thanks to grant funding totalling over £140,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund, WREN, the Wash Fens Rural Development Programme and the borough and county councils it will soon have a new lease of life. Worn and damaged brickwork in the walls will be consolidated and replaced where necessary and the staircase, which has long been too dangerous to allow visitors to climb it, will be repaired and made accessible again. The building will also be bird-proofed to stop pigeons nesting in the stair turret.
There will be many opportunities for local people to get involved. Heritage Lincolnshire is in the process of establishing a ‘Friends of Hussey Tower’ group of local volunteers who are interested in helping to plan and run a series of events and activities linked to the project, and in assisting with the future management of the tower. The project will also offer training in the form of a student work placement in traditional building skills.
There is provision within the grant funding for the creation of new interpretation and educational resources including computer-generated reconstructions of the Tower as part of the manor house, and an on-line education pack. The project will therefore not only improve the condition of the monument and greatly improve visitor access to it as part of Boston’s rich heritage, but also raise awareness and understanding of the building and its history and offer opportunities for volunteers to learn new skills and become actively involved in its management.
The Leader of Boston Borough Council, Councillor Peter Bedford has said "we are delighted that the future of one of the town's most valuable heritage assets has now been secured and are extremely grateful to all of the grant funders who are making this possible. Hussey Tower is of national importance but it has been often overlooked in the past, and many people do not realise its significance. This project will put it fairly and squarely back on the heritage map and raise its profile both within the town and further afield'.
Peter Cox, managing director of WREN said, ‘WREN makes a difference to people’s lives by awarding grants to community, environmental and heritage projects across the UK. We’re delighted to support Heritage Lincolnshire and their valuable work’.
To find out more about the project or the new Friends of Hussey Tower group contact Heritage Lincolnshire.
