The Redesdale Hall Restoration Project 2024 - Moreton-in-Marsh

Right in the heart of Moreton-in-Marsh, standing gloriously in the centre of the High Street is the magnificent Redesdale Hall.  Designed by renowned architect Sir Ernest George in 1887, the Grade II Listed building was built by Algernon Freeman-Mitford, the eventual 1st Baron of Redesdale, with the aim of improving the lives of local residents and today still serves as the Town Hall and meeting place for much community activity.

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The hall has welcomed some surprising visitors. Most notably Elton John chose the hall as a secret destination on a magical-mystery train tour of music industry moguls to launch his Rocket Records record label in 1972.  L. S. Lowry also painted the building in the 1940s; a departure from his usual grittier subject matter.

The enclosed undercroft of the building features a lower hall, while upstairs, a panelled and vaulted hall has hosted the Farmers’ Ball and other significant annual events for generations. Despite being much loved, it’s impossible to now ignore the significant maintenance the building needs not only to conserve the wonderful architectural details, but to also bring the building up to accessibility and environmental standards.  The Hall has been in the ownership of the Cotswold District Council and then the Town Council for decades, and has recently transferred to a new Charitable Trust, set up to conserve, restore and run the building. It’s perhaps an unenviable task, but with its challenges comes a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create something even more special that will continue to serve the town.

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The Redesdale Hall Trust have been working with Cotswold architects Woldon to develop a multi-million-pound masterplan of conservation and new works that will be carried out over the next few years. It is phased into three work areas: the restoration of the clock tower and clock; the replacement of the failing roof and finally the main works to extend the building with a sympathetic intervention to house improved facilities, a lift and other more modern requirements.  This will all be done whilst maintaining activity in the hall. A sense of urgency for repairs has developed in the last few years as the amount of rain and storms the region has experienced have caused significant water ingress damage to the roof and clock tower. However, this setback has also served as a catalyst for positive action.

Phase One is already underway. The clock tower was removed timber by timber, lowered to the ground by crane, along with the clock and mechanism; the detailed carvings, cupola and the sword and boar’s head weathervane - at the very top of the tall tower. Sensitive conservation works are being carried as well as an analysis into the original pigments used when the timbers were painted. When the work is finished, the clock tower will be restored to its position in Spring 2025.

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The rest of the works will commence when funding is secured, which is a big challenge for the Trust, but one they are meeting head-on with grant applications and a fundraising campaign.

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If they are successful, Redesdale Hall will continue to play a central role in the civic and community life and as a catalyst in supporting improved economic resilience of this beautiful Cotswolds town for generations to come.

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