HALL’S Croft in Stratford has been placed on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register.
Its custodian The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust said this was an important step in meeting the scale of the conservation challenge that the Grade I listed building, which was home to Shakespeare’s daughter Susanna and her husband Dr John Hall, now faces.
Hall’s Croft is one of the most important historic buildings in Stratford, rooted in the place where Shakespeare’s story began and where his family life continued.
The Trust is currently undertaking an initial programme of conservation work to stabilise the building and remove temporary steel supports installed in 2012. This phase of work, due for completion in October, is largely funded by a £1 million donation from the playwright and philanthropist Ken Ludwig, alongside additional support, although a funding shortfall remains.
Once this stabilisation phase is complete, the Trust will move to develop a much larger, comprehensive, multi-year conservation programme. This next phase will include major work to the building’s façades, replacement of the roof, and significant intervention to the interior- ensuring the building can once again welcome visitors.
The full programme is expected to cost between £8 million and £10 million and will only be achievable through substantial external funding from institutional funders, philanthropists, and partners.
SBT chief executive Rachael North said: “Hall’s Croft is a building of exceptional historical importance, and its condition demands a serious and sustained response. Inclusion on the Heritage at Risk Register is an important and necessary step. It allows us to be transparent about the challenges we face and to begin building the partnerships required to secure the building’s future.
“We take seriously our responsibility to care for this inheritance, so that it can continue to inspire curiosity, connection and understanding for generations to come.”
Deborah Williams, Historic England regional director for the Midlands, added: “Halls Croft is an internationally significant building and adding it to the Heritage at Risk Register is a positive first step in helping bring the building back into use. I know that Shakespeare Birthplace Trust take their role as custodians of this shared history very seriously and they understand that being added to the At Risk Register is the first step on the journey to be removed from it.”
Visit www.shakespeare.org.uk/explore-shakespeare/shakespedia/halls-croft for more details.
