Conservation work under way at Shakespeare cottage

Anne Hathaway's cottage in Shottery, Warwickshire, is closed to visitors until 31 January

A series of essential conservation works at another of William Shakespeare's family homes has begun in Warwickshire.

The project at the former home of the famous playwright's wife, Anne Hathaway's Cottage in Shottery, includes minor building repairs, deep cleaning and general maintenance.

The building was temporarily closed to visitors from Monday until 31 January to allow works to take place, The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust (SBT) said.

Conservation works to maintain and preserve Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon completed on Friday.

Amy Davis, collections care officer, said "vital work" at the cottage would ensure artefacts survived and would be there for "future generations to enjoy".

"We're going to be going around the house inspecting all of the historic artefacts and the furniture that we have on display for any signs of deterioration," she explained.

"We're going to be removing any surface dirt or dust that we find, treating any infestations that we find."

Ms Davis said to prevent moth infestations, all the textiles from the cottage would be kept in a freezer throughout the whole duration of the conservation period.

"This just kills any dormant eggs or larvae of the moths that's still on there, which means that hopefully come spring we don't have any moths that are going to eat away at our textiles," she added.