THE FIRST phase of a £22,000 project to conserve Victorian windows at Sherborne’s Almshouse has been completed (December 2024).
The project has seen windows removed for the conservation work to fragile glass and leaded frames.
Chair of the Almshouse Trustees, Richard Hunt explains: “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.
“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.”
A new collaboration involving the Almshouse and Sherborne Abbey was recently announced, which will see some rooms re-modelled to enable affordable independent living for people from the area. The Abbey will 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.”
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 further details, please visit www.stjohnshouse.org.
