Background Information
“For hundreds of years the Guildhall was the centre of village life. This Grade I building has immense historical significance, a significance not limited to the physical structure itself but one that encompasses the social roles it has played over time. With the social structure of rural communities breaking down, the focus shifting away from a cohesive agricultural community to individuals and family units, the preservation and study of this building and what it stood for not only remembers a past, different way of living but also offers a wonderful opportunity to provide the modern village community with a vibrant, social focal point.
Built around 1470, the building is undergoing considerable repair and restoration, all of which should be complete by 2012.” (http://www.finchingfieldguildhall.org.uk/ - Homepage)
History
“According to various reputable sources, the Guild of the Holy Trinity was responsible for the foundation of the Guildhall circa 1470. As well as acting as a school room, the original hall on the upper floor would have been used for feasts to celebrate the many saints' days.” (http://www.finchingfieldguildhall.org.uk/history.html - History)
“Robert Kempe, of Spains Hall, bought the Guildhall in the 1620s and paid for it to be repaired and, possibly, extended. In 1630, he sold it to various village members for £50. The deeds are still in and show a list of names, many recognised in Finchingfield today, who contributed. The Guildhall has remained in village ownership ever since.” (http://www.finchingfieldguildhall.org.uk/history.html - History)
“Throughout the centuries the Guildhall continued to be used by the village for a variety of functions. Civic administration, poor relief and education seem to have been constants.” (http://www.finchingfieldguildhall.org.uk/history.html - History)
“By 1954 a museum and library had been created on the ground floor and the 'School Room' became the 'Parish Room'. It was not until 1959 that the first residents moved into the almshouses. For the first time ever, two almshouses were located on the upper floor. Two remained on the lower floor.” (http://www.finchingfieldguildhall.org.uk/history.html - History)
“Built in the late 15th century, the building has been at the heart of the community in this most pretty of North Essex villages. At different times the hall has been in use as a school, almshouses, a museum and a library. Sadly, in recent decades this grade one listed building has fallen into a state of disrepair, made worse by unsympathetic renovations carried out in the 1950's which have put the old timber frame under severe stress.”( http://www.nwbrown.co.uk/news/finchingfield_guildhall )
Restoration
“What the project will do?
+ Cement render, concrete floors and modern partitions will be stripped out
+ Roof tiles will be removed, saving as many as possible for re-use
+ Repairs will be made to the oak frame and roof timbers
+ The walls will be coated with lime render, repairs made to the original wattle and daub, internal floors replaced with limecrete and brick
+ Modern partitions removed
+ Insulation, heating, kitchen and WC facilities will be installed
+ A greatly improved internal layout will make the best possible use of space”
( http://www.finchingfieldguildhall.org.uk/restoration.html )
"The trust received £983,400 from the eastern region of the heritage lottery last year but needed the extra £400,000 so that all the money could be released."(http://www.dunmowbroadcast.co.uk/news/finchingfield_guildhall_restoration_work_to_get_underway_after_project_secures_400k_heritage_lottery_funding_1_869778)
