Restoring & repurposing historic High House Chapel

Now owned by The Weardale Museum, this historic 1760 former Methodist Chapel was recently visited by a Government Levelling Up Minister to announce we had been awarded £46.000 from the Community Ownership Fund towards restoration of this wonderful building.

When restored and adapted the new “Weardale Museum & Heritage Centre” will house new and expanded collections and exhibits, a performance area, an international Methodist Tapestries exhibition plus separate Visitor Centre.   

A building of this age and located high in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has suffered from the extremes of 260 years of harsh weather and poor drainage provision. Throughout this time High House Chapel has featured in the heritage and psyche of Weardale and we want it to continue to stand proud and of practical use for more generations.

The COF grant will provide 50% towards costs for re-grouting the entire property, complete installation of new lintels, infilling and stitching wall cracks, replacing windows and other related works. We already have over £23,000 towards matching the COF grant and  one of our match funding partners has agreed to pledge an extra £10,000 for our project.  

Can you help us raise the final £10,500 and help preserve this Grade 2 Listed property, ensuring it continues to play a focal part in rural Weardale life?  

For more information check www.weardalemuseum.org.uk