Conservation work on windows at Sherborne Almshouse has been completed

Sherborne Almshouse work continues with £22,000 window conservation

Paul JonesDecember 2, 20240 Comment0

A £22,000 plan to conserve Victorian windows at Sherborne Almshouse has been completed.

The scheme has seen windows removed for conservation work to fragile glass and leaded frames.

It comes as work to convert part of the building into a tearoom, as well as a centre for young people, and a community space continues, as part of a joint venture involving the Almshouse and Sherborne Abbey.

Some rooms will remain as affordable accommodation, as the property was previously used.

Chair of the Almshouse Trustees, Richard Hunt, said: “The task has been carefully managed by Holy Well Glass, a specialist company that has worked in Winchester and Wells Cathedrals, Penrhyn Castle and St Michael’s Mount, and other prestigious locations across the country.

Richard Hunt, Chair of St Johns’ Almshouse Trustees

“Visitors to the Abbey Close might have noticed that some of the Almshouse windows have been boarded in recent weeks. The only way to complete repairs to the windows was for the glass and frames to be carefully removed and repaired before being replaced.

“Before too long we hope that our building will provide more much needed affordable accommodation, and with the cooperation of the Abbey, prove to be a real community asset for the town.”

Once completed, the work will see the Abbey use downstairs space for a traditional tearoom and a suite of rooms upstairs to provide a support centre for young people and separate space for community projects.

“Such a historic listed building does provide challenges, however, and we are asking for support to meet the costs of this essential conservation work,” Mr Hunt added.

Any individual or organisation, interested and able to contribute towards the cost of the repairs, should contact the Almshouse on 01935 813245 or via housewardens@stjohnshouse.org.

For more details, visit www.stjohnshouse.org.