The Grade-I listed 26 Westgate in Gloucester has undergone a stunning restoration, supported by a £314,163 grant from Historic England. Dating back to the late 16th century, the merchant’s house is the largest surviving historic timber-framed townhouse in the country and has been transformed into an antiques centre in the heart of Gloucester.
The restoration, executed by local specialists from D.A.Cook (Builders) Ltd, involved repairs to the historic timber frame, wall panels, oak windows, roof, and rainwater system using traditional craft techniques. The building has been redecorated with pigmented limewash, showcasing one of the finest Tudor facades in the country.
The restoration unveiled reproduced historic signage for the Gloucester Antiques Centre and an exquisite gargoyle carving, inviting the public to witness the building’s historical charm. Expressing their gratitude, the owner of 26 Westgate, Andrew Malone, described the project as extremely successful and emphasized the building’s fantastic appearance.
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The completion of the restoration has garnered praise from various quarters, with Richard Graham, Chair of Gloucester History Festival, heralding the building as a “wonderful” addition to Gloucester’s attractions. Kathy Williams, director at the Gloucester Antiques Centre, expressed delight at the expanded opportunities the restored building will offer to antique dealers.
The restoration has not only revived the building’s aesthetics but also uncovered its rich history, with traces of its former elaborate west elevation and purplish-red paint on the timbers dating back to the 17th century. The research confirmed the building’s dual construction around 1590 and 1620, shedding light on its historical significance as a hub for cloth merchants during the medieval period.
Evidencing the support for Gloucester’s regeneration, the restoration project is a testament to Historic England’s commitment to preserving the city’s architectural heritage and fostering businesses in historic buildings. This investment follows the successful completion of the Gloucester High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ), continuing to breathe new life into the historic streets of Gloucester.