The Forbury Chapel
800 Years in the Heart of the Community
Restoration & Heritage Research Project 2018-2019
Thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Grants for Places of Worship Fund, we were able to carry out vital restoration to the Forbury Chapel. Essential work was carried out on replacing crumbling stonework, applying fresh hot lime mortar, ensuring that the drainage was working as it should, removing plants which had grown roots into the structure, and attending to woodwork repairs. During this period, we held a 'Hot Lime Mortar' demonstration and talk, with expert Nigel Copsey, and took visitors on a 'behind the scenes' tour.
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In addition to the repair and restoration of the Forbury, we recruited a small team of research volunteers to delve into the Forbury's past, and build a clear picture of it's changing purposes over the centuries. This fascinating research has been used to create a range of visitor information resources inside and outside of the Forbury, and on digital media to reach a wider audience.
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To bring 'Hidden History' alive, we developed a pilot for free family guided walks, with a 13th century Benedictine Monk leading the way, and worked in partnership with Leominster Museum, Leominster Festival and Leominster Tourist Information Centre to support other heritage events in the local community.
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The Project has involved consultation with many different groups and individuals who have a connection to the Forbury, and has resulted in the Forbury being recognised as a key location in the town's Heritage Trail, contributing to the tourism economy and economic viability of Leominster.
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