Medieval manor house gets £423,000 funding

The £423,105 grant will help with repairs to Southchurch Hall

A Grade I listed medieval manor house has been awarded funding to save it for "future generations," a council has said.

Southchurch Hall in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, is a moated manor house with timbered ceiling and was home to farming families until the 1920s.

The £423,105 grant has been provided by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and was given by Arts Council England.

Funding is set to safeguard the building's fabric and support urgent repairs, a spokesperson for Southend-on-Sea City Council said.

Southchurch Hall is one of several sites looked after by Southend Museums, which is a council-funded service. It is likely the home was built between 1321 and 1364.

Matt Dent, the Labour councillor for Kursaal ward and cabinet member for Culture, Tourism, and Business, said: "We are delighted to see Southchurch Hall receive this £423,105 grant from the Museum Estate and Development Fund to protect its historic character."

The funding also means Southchurch Hall will be able to continue hosting exhibitions, events and welcome visitors.

Labour councillor Daniel Cowan, leader of the council, added: "At the heart of our vision is a commitment to civic pride, and restoring Southchurch Hall is a shining example of that promise.

"By investing in this historic asset, we are protecting a vital piece of our past and building a brighter future for our community."