Llancaiach Fawr Manor House has awarded £943,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to open up parts of the building to visitors.
The project to update the Grade I listed building near Nelson, originally built between 1548 and 1565, will see the servants’ quarters in the attic opened up for the first time.
Llancaiach Fawr, built by the prominent Prichard family, is considered to be one of the most important Gentry houses to have survived from the 16th and 17th century period.
The grant, which was awarded to Caerphilly County Borough Council to support the project, will fund the restoration of a stone roof, removal of inappropriate modern features and repair and opening of the attic. An external staircase tower and platform lift will also be installed to allow access to the upper floors for wheelchair users.
Cllr Ken James, cabinet member for regeneration, planning and sustainable development at Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: “I am absolutely thrilled that Llancaiach Fawr’s bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund has been successful. This funding will undoubtedly help transform the way we present the past to a modern audience, and enable visitors to explore more of the historic Manor House than ever before.
“This funding, together with the continued commitment from Caerphilly County Borough Council, means that visitors of all ages to Llancaiach Fawr can continue to discover the rich heritage and history of this flagship attraction for many years to come.”
Diane Walker, Ggeneral manager of Llancaiach Fawr Manor and project leader for the plans to improve the visitor experience of the Manor, added: “When we began work on this project we wanted to make sure that we told a complete story of the all the people who lived and worked in the Manor but also to ensure that everybody who wanted to explore this wonderful place could do so.
“With the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund, not only will we will be able to show the difference between the living conditions of the servants, as well as the gentry owners, for the first time, but we will also be able to open up the vast majority of the building to visitors with mobility difficulties who have formerly only been able to access the ground floor.”
As well as conservation work, the Manor will benefit from improved physical and sensory interpretation, including open fires, sound and lighting, to create an atmosphere of 17th Century domestic life and provide a better experience for people with learning difficulties. It’s hoped that Llancaiach Fawr will attract 80,000 annual visitors by 2020 as a result of the improved access and interpretation.
Young people will be given an opportunity to get involved and learn about their local history. Plans include developing an archive and exhibition with Welsh Baccalaureate students from Ysgol Cwm Rhymni, and creating a filmed interpretation tour and 360º digital images of the interior with students from the University of Glamorgan. Students from the Welsh School of Architecture and construction students from Coleg Morgannwg will receive practical training placements at the Manor to gain conservation skills.
The grant will also fund the position of a development and outreach officer, who will be responsible for managing community activities, developing the skills of current volunteers and attracting new audiences. Training in skills such as costumed interpretation, historic costume design and events and workshop management will be offered to around 30 volunteers.
Jennifer Stewart, head of HLF in Wales, said: “Llancaiach Fawr is a fascinating building that really captures the past and brings history to life for a wide range of audiences to enjoy. Through interactive displays and improved access the project will strengthen the Manor’s visitor offer to attract additional visitors which will be of benefit to the local economy as well as Wales’ heritage tourism industry as a whole.
“As well as helping to conserve Llancaiach Fawr and opening up the building in its entirety, we were particularly impressed with the plans to get young people involved in learning about their heritage, while getting the chance to develop new skills and the opportunities offered for volunteers to play their part in sharing the story of the Manor.”