Years of water damage has rotted lintels and frames around the windows, those on the ground floor being identified as a Priority 1 need.
UPDATE: Following a short extension we have extension this appeal will close shortly. THANK YOU to everyone who has helped so far, including many direct gifts enabling us to purchase English Oak lintels in readiness for replacement. Founded by John Wesley, the High House Chapel in upper Weardale (DL13 1HD) was used as a place of worship for 260 years until the need for major restoration works forced the closure in late 2019. In the adjoining Manse the Weardale Museum had operated since 1985. Following much deliberation the Trustees decided to purchase the Chapel and expand into it to create the "Weardale Museum & Heritage Centre". When eventually restored and adapted the Centre will house new collections and exhibits, a performance area, an international Methodist Tapestry exhibition and Visitor Centre.
A building of this age and located high in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Beauty must surely suffer from the extremes of 260 years of oft time harsh weather. Throughout this time High House Chapel has featured in the heritage of Weardale and can continue to stand proud for more generations
The lintels above many of the windows are completely rotten; replacement window frames are also needed - the urgency of works for those on the ground floor is identified as Priority 1. Restrictions include that no power tools can be used during conservation quality restoration and only one window can be worked on at a time.
Will you help preserve this Grade 2 Listed property and ensure it continues to play a focal part in rural Weardale life.
Repairing each window will cost approx £3,500.
Please support our appeal
This project closed unsuccessfully on 22nd April 2021