Llancaiach Fawr gets £1 million for work on attic (From Campaign Series)

Llancaiach Fawr gets £1 million for work on attic

12:10pm Wednesday 20th March 2013 in News

CAERPHILLY’S Tudor gem Llancaiach Fawr has been awarded nearly £1 million for work on its attic.

The grade-two listed attraction near Nelson will be given a grant of £943,200 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), so a former servants quarters in the loft can be opened up to the public.

It is hoped the work will allow it to attract 80,000 visitors annually by 2020.

Built in 1550 by the prominent Prichard family, Llancaiach Fawr is considered one of the most important gentry houses to have survived in the UK from the 16th and 17th century periods.

The grant means that visitors will be able to experience life on both sides of society at the manor.

Major work will take place after the cash was awarded to Caerphilly council, which will see restoration of a stone roof, removal of inappropriate modern features and repair and opening of the attic.

An external staircase tower and platform lift will also be installed to allow access to the upper floors for wheelchair users.

As well as conservation work, the manor will benefit from improved physical and sensory interpretation, including open fires, sound and lighting, to create an atmosphere of 17th century domestic life and provide a better experience for people with learning difficulties.

The grant will also fund a development and outreach officer, responsible for managing community activities, developing the skills of volunteers and attracting audiences.

Training in skills such as costumed interpretation, historic costume design and events and workshop management will be offered.

Head of HLF Wales Jennifer Stewart said: “As well as helping to conserve Llancaiach Fawr and opening up the building, we were particularly impressed with the plans to get young people involved in learning about their heritage.”

The manor’s general manager Diane Walker said the money will allow a complete story to be told. The HLF have awarded Caerphilly a total of £7.03 million to date.