The wrapping have come off Keswick’s new-look Moot Hall after £100,000 has been spent on an external spruce up.
Contractors took down the scaffolding that has surrounded the iconic Grade II listed town centre building for months last week and shoppers and visitors were able to see how the money has been spent.
The Battersby Hall Trust, the community-based charity which bought the building from Allerdale Borough Council in 2018, has funded the refurbishment.
The work has included removal of flaking oil and polymer-based finishes from more than 100 years ago which have caused permanent damage to the original stonework underneath, repairs to the mortar pointing on the northern tower, based on traditional lime materials, while a decayed roof purlin in the south-east corner has been replaced to restore the structural integrity of the roof.
The decaying weather vane has also been restored along with the clock.
There are still a few snagging issues and minor works will continue well into the new year.
The clock should be up and working by the end of the week courtesy of the Cumbria Clock Company and will remain as it has been with only an hour hand albeit with both sides painted gold.
Tony Lywood, chairman of the Battersby Hall Trust said the Moot Hall had now been brought up to a standard that the town can be proud of.
“Conservation engineer Paul Lewis was exactly what was needed and his care and attention to detail was exemplary,” said Mr Lywood.
“We also tried to use local craftsmen wherever possible.
“I particularly want to thank Sam Holden from Keswick Painters and Decorators and Sheriff Brayton from Packhorse Steel for their excellent work on the weather vane.
“I sincerely hope that the work will last for some time as I don’t want or intend to do this again for at least a decade,” he added.
