Internal restoration is also well under way. Our contractor is replacing missing plaster work on the ceiling and walls using 17th century materials and techniques, and repairing damaged windows, doors, stairs and paneling. Electrical and heating services will be reinstated, with hearing loops and sympathetic lighting. The restored building will be wheelchair accessible. All this is being done in close consultation with English Heritage and the local authority. The restoration of the original Meeting Room should be finished by Summer 2007.
All photos can be viewed and zoomed in the Photo Gallery
Jordans Quaker Meeting House is rising from the ashes! Badly damaged by fire in 2005, the 17th century Meeting House lost most of its roof. Much of the 20th century extension at the rear, including the warden’s flat and modern library, was completely destroyed. Now the oldest parts of the Meeting House - a grade 1 listed building dating from 1688 - are being painstakingly restored to their original condition. First, the roof has been re-instated, using the remaining original timbers where possible with matching replacements to fill gaps, covered by hand-made clay tiles.
More flexible rear extension
Restoration of the 1688 Meeting House
Our biggest challenge is the rear extension. We have decided to demolish the 1958 structure and build afresh, with a slightly larger “footprint”. Our architect Andrew Townsend, who has extensive experience of restoring listed buildings, has produced a design that blends better with the 17th century Meeting House without detracting from it.
Under a steeply pitched roof and with a traditional exterior, the extension is designed to include a new entrance area, a variety of flexible additional meeting rooms, display and circulation spaces, residential accommodation, and more accessible modern lavatories and kitchen. There will be a new library and resource room, and improved internal disabled access with a small lift linking the building’s three main levels. Car parking will be made safer and easier.
We have received planning permission and listed building consent.
We started building during the second half of 2007 and expect it to
be completed by spring 2008. Then it will be reopened for regular
public worship and other activities.
