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Historic England continues to explore working-class heritage
Historic England has announced the funding of 30 new projects through its Everyday Heritage grants programme, which will explore rural and coastal communities and celebrate working-class histories from across the country. The projects include explorations of the people connected with England’s oldest prison in Hexham, the Liverpool Overhead Railway (called ‘the Dockers’ Umbrella’ by locals), and 18th-century, Grade II-listed Brockweir Inn in Gloucestershire. Since 2022, the Everyday Heritage grants programme has funded more than 100 projects, amounting to total funding of £1.8 million. Each project is community-led, and aims to link locals to historical places in their area that might have been overlooked.
Northampton to build new heritage park
Work is set to begin on a new heritage park in the Marefair area of Northampton. The park will be built on the site of Northampton Castle, and will feature a walking trail around the key areas where the structure once stood. Demolished in 1879, the castle had been one of the most notable Norman fortifications in the country, having been built in 1084. It was later used by the Parliamentarians during the Civil War. The park will also include a castle-themed play area, a community garden, a heritage timeline, and green spaces for recreation, all celebrating the history of the town.
Colchester water tower receives lottery funding
A water tower in Colchester, the largest municipal example in England at 40m (131ft) tall, and affectionately known as ‘Jumbo’, has received an £8 million grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund after spending 30 years on the Buildings at Risk Register. Built in 1883, and now under the care of North Essex Heritage, the tower could hold up to 1,000 tonnes of water. It remained in use until 1984, when it was abandoned. The restoration is expected to take some years to complete, and will include urgent repairs to the cast-iron water tank, as well as conservation work that will make the tower accessible to the public as a heritage and events space.
Text: Rebecca Preedy
