Current News
April 2024: New Town Centre Heritage Trail launch
Stratford Historic Buildings Trust have launched a new Town Centre Heritage Trail leaflet on Monday 8th April 2024, made possible by money raised by National Lottery players.
The main objective of the trail is to encourage both visitors and locals alike to discover more about the history of the town and especially its many historic buildings.
The 2 mile circular route includes familiar ‘Shakespearean’ venues like the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the Birthplace, but also takes in a number of less well-known streets like Old Town, Sheep Street, Ely Street and Rother Street.
Whilst the trail recognises the importance of Shakespeare and Shakespeare tourism, it aims to show that Stratford is also a fascinating historic town in its own right.
The new leaflet also complements existing heritage initiatives like SHBT’s own Riverside Heritage Trail and also the Stratford Society’s Historic Spine Trail.
The trail has been written by Chris Rice, a freelance curator, historic buildings expert and heritage project manager on behalf of Stratford Historic Buildings Trust.
Roger Davis, SBHT trustee, said ‘We are delighted to be able to launch this new heritage trail thanks to the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund. We hope it will enable visitors and locals alike to discover some of the hidden histories of the town.’
Contact
For further information contact Chris Rice on 07808 887 183.
Stratford Historic Buildings Trust have launched a new Town Centre Heritage Trail leaflet on Monday 8th April 2024, made possible by money raised by National Lottery players.
The main objective of the trail is to encourage both visitors and locals alike to discover more about the history of the town and especially its many historic buildings.
The 2 mile circular route includes familiar ‘Shakespearean’ venues like the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the Birthplace, but also takes in a number of less well-known streets like Old Town, Sheep Street, Ely Street and Rother Street.
Whilst the trail recognises the importance of Shakespeare and Shakespeare tourism, it aims to show that Stratford is also a fascinating historic town in its own right.
The new leaflet also complements existing heritage initiatives like SHBT’s own Riverside Heritage Trail and also the Stratford Society’s Historic Spine Trail.
The trail has been written by Chris Rice, a freelance curator, historic buildings expert and heritage project manager on behalf of Stratford Historic Buildings Trust.
Roger Davis, SBHT trustee, said ‘We are delighted to be able to launch this new heritage trail thanks to the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund. We hope it will enable visitors and locals alike to discover some of the hidden histories of the town.’
Contact
For further information contact Chris Rice on 07808 887 183.
Visitor access to Toll House
In accordance with the grant requirements of Historic England, access is available to the Toll House for 28 days during the year in September.
To book a visit phone 01789 298339 for access between 10am and 4pm. Access also available without booking during Heritage days 6-15 September.
The building is used by a local business, visitors to respect the privacy of the occupants.
September 6th Old Toll House update Stratford Historic Buildings Trust is celebrating following the completion of the Old Toll House restoration project. Building contractor Stone-Edge have now put the final touches to the building which will be opened by the Mayor as part of an official ceremony on Thursday 7th September. The building will then be open for public viewing from 11am – 4pm on Friday 8th, Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th September as part of the national Heritage Open Days festival. The £450,000 project has been funded by a National Lottery grant of £232,400 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) together with grants from Historic England, the Architectural Heritage Fund, Stratford District Council and a range of charitable trusts. The restoration works have included extensive repairs to the historic fabric of the building, the installation of a new roof and internal mezzanine floor, two new staircases, new plumbing and electrical installations and a new water supply. A notable addition is a ‘new’ toll board on the Clopton Bridge side of the building. The original board was removed when the building ceased to be a toll house around 1839 and is presumed lost, but traces of the fixings remained. Since no images of the original sign survive the new one is based on equivalent historic examples. However, the list of toll charges is accurate as these survive in the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust archives. Now the works are complete the upper levels of the building will be let as office space, which will provide the Trust with an income stream to put towards rescuing other local historic buildings at risk. The basement area will continue to be used as a public display area telling the story of the Toll House and also the wider industrial heritage of the riverside area. Kevin Bond, SBHT chair, said ‘We are absolutely delighted with the quality of the restoration and refurbishment works which have transformed what was a neglected part of Stratford’s heritage. One of the added bonuses of the project has been the amount of public interest in the restoration works and we are delighted to be able to open the doors of the Old Toll House for three days as part of the Heritage Open Days festival. The trust is also now actively looking for our next project and welcomes suggestions from members of the public as to what this might be. June 20th Old Toll House Update
Stratford Historic Building Trust will be completing the outstanding stone repairs to the bridge elevations of the Old Toll House over the next couple of weeks. This will be done at night to minimise any traffic disruption but will mean one lane of the bridge will be closed after 8pm on Wed 21st and Thurs 22nd June, and Mon 26th - Thurs 29th June. The works will be managed using temporary traffic lights and both lanes will be open again the morning after each night closure. |
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Interior view of Toll House showing new roof structure and mezzanine floor.
March 25th 2017 - Old Toll House Restoration Project Update
The project to restore and refurbish the Grade I listed Old Toll House continues to make good progress.
Historic building contractor Stone-Edge have installed a new roof and mezzanine floor and are currently working on reinstating the main floor at street (bridge) level. Site Manager Matt Leach (left) and his team of craftsmen are also working on replacing the decayed stonework of the late Georgian structure. This is one of the most important aspects of the project with more than 300 pieces of new stone required to make good the exterior of the building.
The Toll House was originally constructed from Arden Sandstone at Lower Ground Floor level and Warwick Sandstone at Ground and First Floor. However, since neither are quarried today the Trust are using two similar sandstones, Hazeldean from Northumberland and Woodkirk from Leeds, which are the most suitable available alternatives.
Project Organiser Chris Rice said ‘Not only are the restoration works going really well, but we have been also been delighted by the public interest in the project. All of the hard hat tours that we have offered so far have been fully booked within a couple of days their being advertised.’
As well as planning more public tours, SHBT is offering illustrated talks on the project to interested local groups. For more information on tours and lectures call Chris Rice on 07808 887183.
The project to restore and refurbish the Grade I listed Old Toll House continues to make good progress.
Historic building contractor Stone-Edge have installed a new roof and mezzanine floor and are currently working on reinstating the main floor at street (bridge) level. Site Manager Matt Leach (left) and his team of craftsmen are also working on replacing the decayed stonework of the late Georgian structure. This is one of the most important aspects of the project with more than 300 pieces of new stone required to make good the exterior of the building.
The Toll House was originally constructed from Arden Sandstone at Lower Ground Floor level and Warwick Sandstone at Ground and First Floor. However, since neither are quarried today the Trust are using two similar sandstones, Hazeldean from Northumberland and Woodkirk from Leeds, which are the most suitable available alternatives.
Project Organiser Chris Rice said ‘Not only are the restoration works going really well, but we have been also been delighted by the public interest in the project. All of the hard hat tours that we have offered so far have been fully booked within a couple of days their being advertised.’
As well as planning more public tours, SHBT is offering illustrated talks on the project to interested local groups. For more information on tours and lectures call Chris Rice on 07808 887183.
20th February 2017
Trust offers more guided tours of the Old Toll House in response to public demand
Following on from the success of its tours in January and February, Stratford Historic Buildings Trust is offering more guided ‘hard hat’ tours of the Old Toll House restoration works.
Project Organiser Chris Rice said ‘We were delighted by the interest shown in our earlier tours and since we couldn’t accommodate everyone we were keen to offer some more dates’.
The available dates are as follows:
Thursday 2nd March
Thursday 9th March
Thursday 16th March
Thursday 23rd March
Thursday 30th March
All tours commence at 11am and last about 30 minutes. Practical clothing is recommended and participants need to be sufficiently mobile to climb up and down ladders. There is no charge but donations to the trust are very welcome.
Booking is essential as places are limited to 6 people per tour. To reserve a place call Chris Rice on 07808 887183.
16th December 2016
Work progressing well on Old Toll House
The project to restore and refurbish the Grade I listed Old Toll House on Clopton Bridge is now well underway.
Our specialist historic building contractors Stone-Edge have now completed the strip out of the building which has included the removal of the failed roof and internal upper floor structures. The historic windows have also been removed for conservation, and the internal brickwork is currently being repaired ready for the new floor and roof joists to be installed in the New Year.
Project Organiser Chris Rice said ‘It is great to finally be on site restoring this historic Stratford landmark. Although the building looks quite bare at the moment, the strip-out has confirmed that there are no serious structural problems which is really good news. Seeing the structure in its exposed state also allows us to see how the building was constructed and reveals some of the changes that have been made in the 200 years since it was first completed.’
SHBT is running regular pre-booked guided ‘hard hat’ tours for the public throughout the building works.
The next tour dates are as follows:
Thursday 22nd December 2016
Thursday 19th January 2017
Thursday 2nd February 2017
All tours commence at 11am and last about 30 minutes. Participants need to be sufficiently mobile to climb up and down ladders. There is no charge but donations to the trust are very welcome.
Booking is essential as places are limited to 6 people per tour. To reserve a place call Chris Rice on 07808 887183.
5th October 2016
Old Toll House Restoration Project starts on site
The long awaited project to restore and refurbish the Grade I listed Old Toll House on Clopton Bridge is now underway.
Stratford Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT), the charity behind the project, have raised the c£440,000 required to deliver the restoration project and appointed specialist historic building contractors Stone-Edge to undertake the work.
Stone-Edge will be working on the restoration for the next 8 months with work expected to be completed by June 2017.
The restoration project will preserve the historic fabric of the building and provide it with a new use as office space at ground floor and mezzanine level. In addition, the project will include a display area in the basement and the delivery of a range of activities to explore both the history of the Toll House and also the wider industrial heritage of Stratford, much of which was originally located along the River Avon and around the canal basin.
One of the most challenging elements of the project will be to carry out repairs to the external stonework of the building, the most badly degraded areas of which are those facing onto the A3400 road on Clopton Bridge which have borne the brunt of fumes and spray from passing traffic over many years.
In order to inspect and specify the extent of repairs to the road elevations Stone-Edge will have to undertake a partial closure of the road using temporary traffic lights for three nights during the week commencing Monday 31st October.
Kevin Bond, SHBT’s Chairman, said ‘We are delighted to be able to finally start work on restoring this important Stratford landmark. Whilst most of the works will be done from within Cox’s Yard, unfortunately the only way to safely access the side of the Toll House fronting onto the bridge will be to close one lane of the road for several nights during the week of 31st October. However, in order to minimise the disruption to local residents and other road users we have scheduled the inspection work to take place between the hours of 8pm and 4am.’
A further period of night-time partial road closure will be required to undertake the physical repairs to the stonework in May 2017. More details of this will be provided nearer the time.
August 2016
Old Toll House to open its doors as part of Heritage Open Days
Stratford Historic Buildings Trust are giving visitors a rare opportunity to take a peek inside the Old Toll House before restoration works commence later this year. On Friday 9 September visitors will be able to see the building in its untouched state, and also have an opportunity to find out about SHBT's plans for its restoration. Event not suitable for children under the age of 7.
Friday 9 September: 1100-1600
No booking required
Access to the main floor of the building is via a flight of external steps with a single wooden handrail. Visitors will need to be sufficiently mobile to negotiate these safely. Appropriate footwear is essential.
Max 6 people per tour/session.
The Old Toll House is located in Cox's Yard next to Clopton Bridge. Access to the building is via Cox's Yard.
For more information on Heritage Open Days visit: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/
Old Toll House to open its doors as part of Heritage Open Days
Stratford Historic Buildings Trust are giving visitors a rare opportunity to take a peek inside the Old Toll House before restoration works commence later this year. On Friday 9 September visitors will be able to see the building in its untouched state, and also have an opportunity to find out about SHBT's plans for its restoration. Event not suitable for children under the age of 7.
Friday 9 September: 1100-1600
No booking required
Access to the main floor of the building is via a flight of external steps with a single wooden handrail. Visitors will need to be sufficiently mobile to negotiate these safely. Appropriate footwear is essential.
Max 6 people per tour/session.
The Old Toll House is located in Cox's Yard next to Clopton Bridge. Access to the building is via Cox's Yard.
For more information on Heritage Open Days visit: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/
July 2016
Old Toll House Restoration Project secures support from the National Lottery and Historic England.
Stratford Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT) is celebrating after securing two major grants to restore and refurbish the Old Toll House on Clopton Bridge, Stratford-upon-Avon.
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has awarded a Heritage Enterprise grant of £232,400 and Historic England a building repair grant of £182,000 towards the project.
The two awards will enable SHBT to commence the physical restoration and refurbishment starting work at the end of September 2016.
This Heritage Enterprise grant builds on HLF’s significant previous investment in Stratford, and will add to the cumulative impact of HLF’s on-going commitment to Stratford’s fascinating heritage. HLF has now invested over £18million in Stratford, including £7.5million to projects exploring the life and works of William Shakespeare.
The Old Toll House, located on the medieval Clopton Bridge, was built in 1814. With its crenelated roofline and gothic windows it is a familiar local landmark and a Grade I listed building. However, over the last 30 years it has fallen into serious disrepair and has been included on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register.
Thanks to National Lottery players, the restoration project will preserve the historic fabric of the building and provide it with a new use as office space at ground floor and mezzanine level. In addition, the project will include a public display area in the basement and the delivery of a range of activities to explore both the history of the Toll House and also the wider industrial heritage of Stratford, much of which was originally located along the River Avon and around the canal basin.
The project has also benefited from the financial support of Stratford District Council and the Architectural Heritage Fund. The latter provided seed corn funding in the early stages and are providing a loan facility to assist with cash flow during the works.
Kevin Bond, SHBT Chairman, said: “This is brilliant news for the Old Toll House. The project has seen quite a few false dawns over the years, but securing these two grants means we can now at last start work on restoring this splendid historic building. We are extremely grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic England as their support has been critical to making the project a reality.”
Vanessa Harbar, Head of HLF West Midlands, said: “HLF celebrates with Stratford Historic Buildings Trust as they receive their second round of Heritage Enterprise funding. Thanks to National Lottery players, this investment will continue to breathe new life into this distinctive part of Stratford’s heritage. Heritage Enterprise projects go beyond bricks and mortar; they enable historic buildings like the Old Toll House to become an important part of the economic health of communities by nurturing business and creating jobs.”
Veryan Heal, Historic England’s Planning Director in the West Midlands, said: “Historic England is very pleased to be supporting Stratford Historic Building Trust’s in conserving the Old Toll House, bringing it back into beneficial use. This beautiful, important building is one of our top ten Heritage at Risk priorities in the West Midlands and we are delighted to be part of this project.”
Old Toll House Restoration Project secures support from the National Lottery and Historic England.
Stratford Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT) is celebrating after securing two major grants to restore and refurbish the Old Toll House on Clopton Bridge, Stratford-upon-Avon.
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has awarded a Heritage Enterprise grant of £232,400 and Historic England a building repair grant of £182,000 towards the project.
The two awards will enable SHBT to commence the physical restoration and refurbishment starting work at the end of September 2016.
This Heritage Enterprise grant builds on HLF’s significant previous investment in Stratford, and will add to the cumulative impact of HLF’s on-going commitment to Stratford’s fascinating heritage. HLF has now invested over £18million in Stratford, including £7.5million to projects exploring the life and works of William Shakespeare.
The Old Toll House, located on the medieval Clopton Bridge, was built in 1814. With its crenelated roofline and gothic windows it is a familiar local landmark and a Grade I listed building. However, over the last 30 years it has fallen into serious disrepair and has been included on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register.
Thanks to National Lottery players, the restoration project will preserve the historic fabric of the building and provide it with a new use as office space at ground floor and mezzanine level. In addition, the project will include a public display area in the basement and the delivery of a range of activities to explore both the history of the Toll House and also the wider industrial heritage of Stratford, much of which was originally located along the River Avon and around the canal basin.
The project has also benefited from the financial support of Stratford District Council and the Architectural Heritage Fund. The latter provided seed corn funding in the early stages and are providing a loan facility to assist with cash flow during the works.
Kevin Bond, SHBT Chairman, said: “This is brilliant news for the Old Toll House. The project has seen quite a few false dawns over the years, but securing these two grants means we can now at last start work on restoring this splendid historic building. We are extremely grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic England as their support has been critical to making the project a reality.”
Vanessa Harbar, Head of HLF West Midlands, said: “HLF celebrates with Stratford Historic Buildings Trust as they receive their second round of Heritage Enterprise funding. Thanks to National Lottery players, this investment will continue to breathe new life into this distinctive part of Stratford’s heritage. Heritage Enterprise projects go beyond bricks and mortar; they enable historic buildings like the Old Toll House to become an important part of the economic health of communities by nurturing business and creating jobs.”
Veryan Heal, Historic England’s Planning Director in the West Midlands, said: “Historic England is very pleased to be supporting Stratford Historic Building Trust’s in conserving the Old Toll House, bringing it back into beneficial use. This beautiful, important building is one of our top ten Heritage at Risk priorities in the West Midlands and we are delighted to be part of this project.”
November 2015
Old Toll House Restoration and restoration Project secures National Lottery and Historic England grants
Stratford Historic Buildings Trust is celebrating after securing two major grants to help restore and refurbish the Old Toll House on Clopton Bridge, Stratford-upon-Avon.
Historic England has awarded a development grant of £15,570 and the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) a first round Heritage Enterprise grant of £10,500 towards the project.
The two awards will enable SHBT to draw up detailed plans for the project and access two further grants totalling £370,000 to undertake the physical restoration and refurbishment starting work in Autumn 2016.
The project has already benefited from the support of the Architectural Heritage Fund, who helped SHBT become established, provided capacity building at key stages of development and gave £17,750 in grant funding for an options appraisal and early development work.
Roger Davis, SHBT trustee said:
‘The Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic England grants are fantastic news and are a huge vote of confidence for the project. Although we still have a way to go, the two awards are really important as they will enable us to meaningfully start work on rescuing the building.’
Reyahn King, Head of HLF West Midlands, said:
‘This project will breathe new life into this distinctive part of Stratford’s heritage. Investment in Heritage Enterprise projects goes well beyond bricks and mortar; it enables financially challenging historic buildings like the Old Toll House to become an important part of the economic health of communities by nurturing business and creating jobs. We look forward to seeing the plans develop.’
Sarah Lewis, Principal Adviser, Heritage at Risk Team, Historic England said:
‘Historic England is really pleased to support Stratford Historic Building Trust’s efforts to conserve the Old Toll House and bring it back into beneficial use. This important building is one of our top ten Heritage at Risk priorities in the West Midlands and we are delighted to be part of this project. ’
Please read the latest Press Release.
Old Toll House Restoration and restoration Project secures National Lottery and Historic England grants
Stratford Historic Buildings Trust is celebrating after securing two major grants to help restore and refurbish the Old Toll House on Clopton Bridge, Stratford-upon-Avon.
Historic England has awarded a development grant of £15,570 and the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) a first round Heritage Enterprise grant of £10,500 towards the project.
The two awards will enable SHBT to draw up detailed plans for the project and access two further grants totalling £370,000 to undertake the physical restoration and refurbishment starting work in Autumn 2016.
The project has already benefited from the support of the Architectural Heritage Fund, who helped SHBT become established, provided capacity building at key stages of development and gave £17,750 in grant funding for an options appraisal and early development work.
Roger Davis, SHBT trustee said:
‘The Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic England grants are fantastic news and are a huge vote of confidence for the project. Although we still have a way to go, the two awards are really important as they will enable us to meaningfully start work on rescuing the building.’
Reyahn King, Head of HLF West Midlands, said:
‘This project will breathe new life into this distinctive part of Stratford’s heritage. Investment in Heritage Enterprise projects goes well beyond bricks and mortar; it enables financially challenging historic buildings like the Old Toll House to become an important part of the economic health of communities by nurturing business and creating jobs. We look forward to seeing the plans develop.’
Sarah Lewis, Principal Adviser, Heritage at Risk Team, Historic England said:
‘Historic England is really pleased to support Stratford Historic Building Trust’s efforts to conserve the Old Toll House and bring it back into beneficial use. This important building is one of our top ten Heritage at Risk priorities in the West Midlands and we are delighted to be part of this project. ’
Please read the latest Press Release.