Alcester Church House

The Victorian façade of Church House conceals remnants of a mediaeval dwelling spanning over 500 years of history. The Grade II listed building stands at the end of historic Butter Street, opposite St Nicholas Church and next to the old Rectory. To its side through a door lies a remnant of an ancient pathway to St Nicholas Church, now the passage to the modern Rectory beyond. The back of Church House is a redundant stable for the old Rectory and for many years has lain derelict. The entire building is now in dire need of refurbishment to meet 21st Century standards and to bring it fully into community as well as church use.

The Church House Development Committee, drawn from St Nicholas Alcester Parochial Church Council (PCC), and community representatives, is spearheading a project to address this neglect. It has consulted widely about the work that needs to be done and the role that the refurbished building could play in the town.

However cost is a major issue. The refurbishment will require around £250,000 to complete and this sum can only be raised by successfully applying for grants and receiving donations from generous members of the community.

St Nicholas PCC initiated the funding process and by July 2010, together with local fund raising, over £120,000 has been raised.

From as early as 1562 tenant deeds and census records show that the premises, once owned by the Greville family of Beauchamp Court, had been occupied as a dwelling house and a shop. Some houses in Butter Street are known to date back to 1445; parts of Church House are of similar construction.

In 1869 the property was purchased by the then Rector, who rebuilt the front to provide the Mission Room as we know it. This was sold to St Nicholas PCC in 1910, including the kitchen, outside toilets and the adjoining Vergers Lodge. At around that time the back section was converted into a coach house and new stables for the Rectory, leaving much of the original timber framework.

In 1969 the whole property was listed in this form, with the stables then still in use. The back section was eventually given to St Nicholas PCC in 1991, prior to the sale of the old Rectory, bringing the entire property into full ownership of St Nicholas PCC.

Latest News (July 2010)

The stripped back timber frame, exposed for the second phase of the project, has revealed the remnants of not one but two buildings including some 15th Century construction, earlier than we thought!

There will be an opportunity to view on 10th July.

The first phase of converting the old stables is completed and the new toilets have been opened. The toilets are available for use at services and events in both St NIcholas Church and Church House.

Visit the Events and Photos page to see pictures of the activity, including the archaeological investigation.

About £150,000 is needed to complete the remainder of the whole project.

Alcester Church House
Restoring Alcester Heritage for Community Use Announcing plans for a much-needed refurbishment of this important heritage property to provide modern facilities for St Nicholas Church, and a central meeting place for the community of historic Alcester. *£250,000 is needed to complete this project. Donation details click here Latest News Latest Pictures*
On this page: Development Committee Brief History What Church House can provide Latest News On other pages: Ground floor Upstairs Timber Frames New Scheme Key Dates This Week Events St Nicholas Alcester Minster On other sites: Alcester website	The Victorian façade of Church House conceals remnants of a mediaeval dwelling spanning over 500 years of history. The Grade II listed building stands at the end of historic Butter Street, opposite St Nicholas Church and next to the old Rectory. To its side through a door lies a remnant of an ancient pathway to St Nicholas Church, now the passage to the modern Rectory beyond. The back of Church House is a redundant stable for the old Rectory and for many years has lain derelict. The entire building is now in dire need of refurbishment to meet 21st Century standards and to bring it fully into community as well as church use. *Click here to see an impression of the original timber buildings and how they are being adapted for renewed use* *Click here for an edited video of Church House made in 2008 before the refurbishment started by a group of pupils from Alcester High School Technology College.* Church House as it is (click on a part of the layout below) - Ground floor : Upstairs : new scheme Be patient while these illustrated pages load The Church House Development Committee, drawn from St Nicholas Alcester Parochial Church Council (PCC), and community representatives, is spearheading a project to address this neglect. It has consulted widely about the work that needs to be done and the role that the refurbished building could play in the town. However cost is a major issue. The refurbishment will require around £250,000 to complete and this sum can only be raised by successfully applying for grants and receiving donations from generous members of the community. St Nicholas PCC initiated the funding process and by July 2010, together with local fund raising, over £120,000 has been raised. From as early as 1562 tenant deeds and census records show that the premises, once owned by the Greville family of Beauchamp Court, had been occupied as a dwelling house and a shop. Some houses in Butter Street are known to date back to 1445; parts of Church House are of similar construction. In 1869 the property was purchased by the then Rector, who rebuilt the front to provide the Mission Room as we know it. This was sold to St Nicholas PCC in 1910, including the kitchen, outside toilets and the adjoining Vergers Lodge. At around that time the back section was converted into a coach house and new stables for the Rectory, leaving much of the original timber framework. In 1969 the whole property was listed in this form, with the stables then still in use. The back section was eventually given to St Nicholas PCC in 1991, prior to the sale of the old Rectory, bringing the entire property into full ownership of St Nicholas PCC. What Church House could provide for the Alcester community: Drop-in centre in the middle of the town Grade 2 former mediaeval dwelling providing a heritage focus for the public Heritage educational field centre for local schools visiting the town Meeting hall for local groups, voluntary and business Central help point for social needs Facilities for events in the Church Latest News (July 2010) The stripped back timber frame, exposed for the second phase of the project, has revealed the remnants of not one but two buildings including some 15th Century construction, earlier than we thought! There will be an opportunity to view on 10th July. The first phase of converting the old stables is completed and the new toilets have been opened. The toilets are available for use at services and events in both St NIcholas Church and Church House. *Visit the Events and Photos page to see pictures of the activity, including the archaeological investigation.* *About £150,000 is needed to complete the remainder of the whole project.* Donations to: St Nicholas PCC Treasurer, 28 Rope Walk, Alcester, B49 5DD Or to The Rector, Revd David Capron, St Nicholas Rectory, Alcester, B49 5DB Cheques and Standing Orders made out to Church House Development Committee Barclays Bank, Sort Code 20-71-45, Account number 73447820
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