Sep 4 2007
English Heritage has announced two grants totalling £70,000 to help preserve Bignor Roman Villa and Treyford Old Church in West Sussex, two of most important historic sites in the area.
Bignor Roman Villa, near Pulborough has just been removed from the Buildings at Risk Register and will benefit from a £60,000 grant from English Heritage to preserve this significant historic site for years to come. The grant is helping to fund the new thatch roof over the 'cover buildings' and a scheme to help repair the mosaics, which have been damaged by water leaking through the old roof.
The villa, was occupied between the 2nd and 4th centuries and contains some exceptional mosaics. It belongs to the Tupper family who have farmed in the area since the 14th century.
Discovered by an ancestor of current owner Tom Tupper in 1811 the remains of the villa, including the Ganymede mosaic, were protected from the elements with the construction of thatched 'cover buildings'. The Ganymede mosaic shows Ganymede being carried off to Mount Olympus as a cup bearer to the Gods in Greek mythology. It is these cover buildings, thought to be the oldest in Western Europe, that have now caught the attention of English Heritage.
Tom Tupper, owner of Bignor Roman Villa, said: "We are very pleased with the support we have had from English Heritage, as well as DEFRA, in renovating the 'cover buildings' and with the result of the project. The buildings have been re-thatched and the timber renovated, basically restoring the buildings to their former glory. I am glad the historical significance of these buildings has been recognised."
Judith Roebuck, English Heritage Ancient Monuments Inspector, said: "These buildings were built gradually between 1812 and1818 to protect archaeological remains. The early buildings have thatch roofs. Originally the project was to replace these completely with new thatch, but it became apparent that much of the original material survived in the base coats below more modern thatch repairs.
"This is important for our understanding of the history of thatching techniques and materials used in the South of England and therefore much of the old material has been retained. It is likely that the original material was hand reaped and threshed on the farm by the current owner's ancestors. This is one of the few thatched buildings of its time we have been able to study in detail and so its preservation is of utmost importance."
The second English Heritage grant will go towards preserving the ruins of Treyford Church, near Chichester. This building, long disused, is currently on the Buildings at Risk Register and is a scheduled monument. The site is overgrown and English Heritage has offered £10,000 to help specify what conservation works are needed, and to clear vegetation from the ruins.
Geoffrey Green, owner of Treyford Church commented: "I am delighted that English Heritage have been able to help with the maintenance of this lovely old church. This church is of great historical significance, not only to the village, but to Sussex as a whole. Sadly since its roof was removed some time ago, it has slowly deteriorated."
Judith Roebuck continued: "Treyford is at the foot of the North Slope of the South Downs. The Church sits next to the manor house. It probably originally dates to the 11th century with later 13th century alterations and extensions. The building was superseded in 1849 and has been ruinous for many decades, so it is clear to see how significant this funding is."