Second time lucky for reopening of historic Bishop Percy’s House in Bridgnorth
It will be second time lucky for the grand reopening of one of Bridgnorth's oldest and most iconic buildings – after owners were forced to cancel the event when the 'Beast from the East' hit the town.
Following a major four-year renovation, the reopening of the Grade I-listed Bishop Percy's House, in Cartway, will be carried out by Bridgnorth Mayor Councillor Ron Whittle on Saturday at 10am.
Owners Reg and Maria Allen were forced to cancel last weekend's original opening after freezing temperatures and snow brought Bridgnorth to a standstill.
The 16th century half timbered property, which used to be home to the Bridgnorth Boys Club from the 1940s until 2003, has undergone a complete renovation to provide a traditional tea room with outdoor seating and holiday apartments. The project also included the construction of two separate contemporary homes overlooking the river, which are due to be finished by Easter.
The designs for the property renovations were drawn up by Johnson Design Partnership.
Thrilled
Mrs Allen said: "I am sure Bishop Percy's House will be of interest to local people, especially former Boys Club members and others that had a connection with the club.
"The contemporary houses built on the Boys Club gymnasium site are also almost completed with fantastic views of the riverside. These are for long-term rental.
"I am thrilled at the outcome of this difficult project and to be opening the tea room and apartments to provide jobs and an interest to the Bridgnorth community."
Bishop Percy's House was originally known as 'Forster's Folly' and was built in 1580 by Richard Forster. It was one of the few properties of its type to survive the great fire of Bridgnorth in April 1646 and was given a Grade I listing in 1949. It has been unoccupied since 2003.
On Saturday, the house will be open and tours of the apartments will be available on request. The tea room will be open serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea until 5pm. Pictures and artefacts from the site's past will be displayed in the tea room.
For more information about Bishop Percy's House, visit bishoppercyshouse.co.uk
