Much-needed restoration work to Keswick’s iconic Moot Hall is set to start.
The Grade II listed building, which dates back to the 16th century, has been in a state of gradual disrepair for more than 20 years and £100,000 is to be spent upgrading its external appearance.
The Battersby Hall Trust, the community-based charity which bought the building from Allerdale Borough Council in 2018, is funding the major refurbishment of the hall’s flaking exterior paintwork.
The proposed works also include removing oil and polymer-based paint finishes from more than100 years ago which have caused permanent damage to the original stonework underneath.
Repairs to the mortar pointing, based on traditional lime materials, will be instigated on the northern tower while a decayed roof purlin in the south-east corner will be replaced to restore structural integrity to the roof.
The original slates will be reinstated with no change in appearance.
Councillor Tony Lywood, chair of the trust, said: “The Moot Hall is the most iconic building in Keswick, but it is in desperate need of repair and refurbishment.
“The work will cost between £100,000-£150,000, but it’s worth every penny to ensure the building remains at the heart of the town for future generations.”
The hall was originally a medieval courthouse, used by the manor of Castlerigg and Derwentwater, but over the centuries has been used as a storehouse, a market hall and a council chamber.
The current building, with its slate-built tower and distinctive one-handed clock, was constructed in 1813 by the trustees of Greenwich Hospital.
The ground floor is currently used as a tourist information centre, with a gallery on the first floor.
The trust was originally set to buy the hall in 2015 but during routine maintenance it was discovered that the building needed extensive repair work before any sale could be completed.
The fact that the building is listed meant this took some time for the work to be designed and carried out.
