Milestone for poet's museum plan as work starts

It is hoped the museum can open its doors at the end of 2026

A project to turn a poet's "mothballed" house into a museum has reached a milestone as work to make it safe and watertight is about to start.

Norman Nicholson's home in Millom, Cumbria, was bought by the Nicholson House project a year ago to turn it into a museum and cafe, with accommodation for a writer in residence and space for group activities.

Nicholson, who died in 1987, had a writing career spanning more than 50 years and lived at the property at 14 George's Terrace for most of his life.

Charlie Lambert, chairman of the project, said securing £99,000 needed to replace the roof and windows was "an important step" with work starting on Monday.

He said: "The house has been mothballed since we bought it and we've not been able to do anything with it."

Planned work includes remodelling the entrance to return it to how it looked when Nicholson's father ran a gents outfitters business, while the family lived above the shop.

Norman Nicholson lived in Millom most of his life

Mr Lambert said: "It's a really important step, because we would have a house that is safe and waterproof.

"I would hope it would be completed by the end of 2026."

The money comes from a Cumberland Council and the South Copeland GDF Community Partnership.

Mr Lambert said the next stage would include fundraising for work to be carried out inside the property.

He added: "It's about making a real difference to his home town, and that includes generating revenue for local businesses which we're doing here."