A big thank you

Ducks love Baddesley

Many of the conservation projects we carry out here at Baddesley are due to supporters like you giving back to the property in so many ways. Whether that be from a cup of tea purchased in the restaurant, taking the time to buy a raffle ticket or from your yearly membership you're directly helping us conserve this beautiful place.

The team here at Baddesley, as well as specialist conservators, carry out vital conservation projects which are made possible due to our visitors. Here are a few examples of some recent conservation work that has been possible due to this funding.

Baddesley's two year re-wiring project

Two years ago Baddesley began its two year conservation project which kicked off the rather large task of re-wiring the rooms, fitting new fire alarms and replacing some parts of the plumbing. 

This type of major conservation work was last carried out when the Trust acquired Baddesley in 1980. By upgrading the electrics, lighting and putting in new fire alarms the house is kept safe and sound; for ever, for everyone.

Conservation work at Baddesley
A view of the floor being taken up for re-wiring
Conservation work at Baddesley

It’s an expensive job and the two phases together cost around £270,000, that’s the equivalent to selling 540,000 postcards, 150,000 cups of tea or 4,285 annual memberships!

Our aim is to improve the security, safety and environmental conditions in the house. As guardians of this beautiful property it’s important that we do everything we can to keep the house conserved and keep it standing for another 500 years. 

The Vinery

The three wooden greenhouses built against the wall in the new vegetable garden were constructed in the Victorian period to serve the nursery garden on this side of the walled garden, and would have been central to the garden’s productivity.

The Vinery is soon to be rebuilt
The Vinery before the re-build
The Vinery is soon to be rebuilt

When the National Trust took over the care of Baddesley in 1980, the vinery was refurbished. 30 years on from that and considerable repair work was needed again. The frame and glass were removed to prevent deterioration whilst the funds were raised to restore the glasshouse to full working order. All three greenhouses have now been fully restored alongside the new vegetable garden, pop by and take a look!

Tomatoes and courgettes in the vinery
Produce for our restaurant
Tomatoes and courgettes in the vinery

The Stable Clock

The clock at Baddesley has been still and silent for a long time but thanks to last years raffle money work is sceduled to get it up and running again.

It's always a quarter past ten at Baddesley
Baddesley's clock has stopped
It's always a quarter past ten at Baddesley

Edward Ferrers built the stable block along with the other barnyard buildings in 1713 at a cost of £76. The turret clock in the stables cost £19. The turret, which was leaning badly, was restored after the National Trust were given the house in 1980, but was in desperate need of more work to get it ticking again.

The team at Baddesley are looking forward to this conservation work being carried out very soon and especially excited about being able to hear the bell.

Help us to enhance the approach to the house
You'll see it as you approach the main entrance
Help us to enhance the approach to the house

Looking after our home and conserving it for future generations is very important to us here at Baddesley and the work that has been carried out wouldn’t be possible without supporters like you giving through membership, admissions, the restaurant and shop, and donations. Thank you.