Church Tower Refurbishment Underway
Even the least eagle-eyed amongst us will have noticed the scaffolding surrounding the Church Tower, which signals the start of the long-awaited restoration of this Dartington icon.
For many years this much-loved space has been out of use to staff, residents and visitors alike. This work marks the first stage in a year long project, which will see the external rendering repaired; the chapel refurbished, repainted and reopened to the public; heating and lighting will be installed and the path leading to the chapel improved and widened to enable wheelchair access. In addition the upper floors of the tower will be repaired to allow for on-going maintenance and to care for nesting boxes.
The Church Tower fell into disrepair until restoration work was carried out under the instruction of Leonard and Dorothy Elmhirst in 1948, after which it provided an important venue for worship, blessings or quiet contemplation until its condition deteriorated again to such an extent that the tower was locked on health and safety grounds.
It is through the generous support of Mr Richard Creed and The Mrs W. Godfrey-Payton Trust that the Trust will finally be able to unlock the chapel’s door to the public once again.
The Dartington Hall Trust is a registered charity no. 279756. Company
no. 1485560
Registered Office: The Elmhirst Centre, Dartington Hall, Totnes, Devon
TQ9 6EL United Kingdom.
Telephone 01803 847000; Fax 01803 847007;