RESIDENTS, community groups and other organisations could give preserving Droitwich’s history a helping hand by sponsoring one of the roof tiles on the medieval solar range at 31 Hight Street.
Work on the timber-framed building began last year and workers carrying out the restoration are now in a position to retile the roof.
Twelve of the original medieval tiles and two medieval ridge tiles, which showed five fractured lugs on the ridge line, have been found during the work.
The architect Nick Joyce has researched what they would have looked like and ascertained there would have been five fleur de lis on each one.
A few of the original 1400s tiles will be used in the retiling, along with some new ones designed with the same dimensions.
A potter in Stoke on Trent has created a new ridge tile and more can be made to help ‘Crown 31 High Street’.
In order to restore the roof and building to its former glory, individuals, families, companies and community groups are being given the chance to sponsor the decorated tiles.
Each one, hand-made by the potter, will cost £210 to make and fire and it is estimated around 50 ridge tiles will be needed to complete the roof.
The sponsor gets their initials on the tile and will receive a certificate featuring a logo designed by ‘Wonky Droitwich’ artist Rosie Philpott.
Currently seven tiles have been sponsored.
The restoration has generated much interest in and around Droitwich, as the building is on a prominent position on the High Street.
A window on the building enables pedestrians to see parts of the original oak timber framing and the replacements being constructed for where the originals are missing.
An exhibition detailing the history and restoration of the building is available to view at Droitwich Library until October 31.
For more on the ‘Crown 31 High Street, Droitwich’ scheme, email Nick Joyce at [email protected] or call him on 01905 726307.
