Finchingfield Guildhall

For over 550 years Finchingfield Guildhall has played a central role in village life. Today a major programme of repairs, refurbishment and restoration is essential to ensure this important historic building can continue to serve not only the village of Finchingfield, but a much wider community.

English Heritage has declared the Guildhall to be 'At Risk', the roof is dangerous, inside, kitchen and WC amenities are wholly inadequate. There is no heating system and work carried out in the 1950s is known to be damaging the ancient timber frame. Access is difficult for all but the most able-bodied. The Parish Room on the upper floor is no longer usable, the four tiny almshouses have been unoccupied for some years, the village centre library and museum are confined to extremely restrictive spaces. Plans have been made to save this lovely building.

What the project will do?

	Cement render, concrete floors and modern partitions will be stripped out
	Roof tiles will be removed, saving as many as possible for re-use
	Repairs will be made to the oak frame and roof timbers
	The walls will be coated with lime render, repairs made to the original wattle and daub, internal floors replaced with limecrete and brick
	Modern partitions removed
	Insulation, heating, kitchen and WC facilities will be installed
	A greatly improved internal layout will make the best possible use of space

A sympathetic project

This will secure the future of the Guildhall, create facilities that are needed and wanted and allow the many visitors to Finchingfield to explore an important historic building.

To use the Guildhall to its maximum potential

	The original guildhall on the upper floor will be restored, offering a dramatic, intimate and historic venue for meetings, exhibitions, performances and functions
	The library and museum will occupy the ground floor offering an exciting and vibrant interpretation of this ancient settlement
	Works by local authors, including Dodie Smith and Norman Lewis, will be featured
	A pneumatic lift and new staircase will permit access to all
		THE PLANNED LAYOUT Click for large version

How you can help?

	Please make a donation, preferably Gift Aided (click here for details)
	Register as a supporter of the project and receive regular updates with invitations to exclusive events
	Share your ideas and opinions with us - we love to hear your thoughts on the Guildhall
	Opportunities for business involvement