Two New Films Released by Pembridge Amenity Trust
Following the successful completion of the conservation of the Market Hall in Pembridge at the end of May (on time and under budget) and the earlier project which examined the History and Heritage of Pembridge, Pembridge Amenity Trust have released a DVD of the work that was carried out showing both projects. They were shown for the first time to a packed a public meeting in the village hall when architect Sarah Butler of Trevor Hewett Architects also made a presentation about the Market Hall project.
The Market Hall
Pembridge was first granted a Royal Charter for a market in 1239, a tradition that still continues today with the regular Farmers Markets. The Market Hall has been “dendro” (tree ring) dated to between 1502 to 1538, making it the oldest of its type in the country. The most recent conservation work prior to the current project was carried out in 1927 and the discovery of a penny from 1806 under the north-east post indicated another phase in the history of this fascinating building.
The film outlines the history and development of the Market Hall and details the skill and craftsmanship that has gone into its conservation.
The project has been managed by Jen Myers for Pembridge Amenity Trust (a registered charity) with Sarah Butler of Trevor Hewett Architects as project architect and Capps and Capps as main contractors. Funding was from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Herefordshire Rivers Leader+ and Herefordshire County Council with the Trust contributing 5% of all the eventual costs.
The History & Heritage of Pembridge
This community project, completed at the end of 2004, was part-financed by the European Union (EAGGF) and DEFRA through the Herefordshire Rivers LEADER+ Programme and developed earlier work which examined the moated site at Court House Farm and “dendro” (tree ring) dated a number of houses in the village.
There were three elements to this project. An archaeological dig on the moated site, a continuation of the dendrochronology and desk based research into the period 1000AD to 1500 AD. The dig involved local villagers and school children under the expert guidance of the professional archaeologists from Border Archaeology. The dendro (tree ring) dating of a total of 26 buildings was carried out by Ian Tyers of Arcus Dendrochronology, Sheffield University with local historian Duncan James. This makes Pembridge has the largest number of domestic buildings dendro dated in the UK. The research into history of Pembridge during the period 1000 – 1500AD, was carried out by Alan McKinnley and Paul Dawson of Warthog Archaeology.
Both films were written and produced by Robert Anderson. Copies have been placed in local libraries, schools and with appropriate local organisations. A DVD of both films is available to the general public at a cost of £7.50. These can be purchased at The Steppes and the Old Forge Studio and Framing Shop in Pembridge.
Notes to Editors:
This project was part-financed by the European Union (EAGGF) and DEFRA through the Herefordshire Rivers LEADER+ Programme
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) enables communities to celebrate, look after and learn more about our diverse heritage. From our great museums and historic buildings to local parks and beauty spots or recording and celebrating traditions, customs and history, HLF grants open up our nation’s heritage for everyone to enjoy. We have supported more than 14,000 projects, allocating over £2.8 billion across the UK. |
