Gothic mansion could soon undergo major revamp

Woodchester Mansion needs a new roof and the chapel needs to be restored

A Victorian Gothic mansion could undergo a £280,000 revamp to restore its chapel and roof.

Woodchester Mansion near Nailsworth, Gloucestershire, has applied for up to £250,000 in National Lottery Heritage funding to secure its future. But to unlock the money, Stroud District Council has to match it with £30,000.

Councillors voted on whether to approve the grant on Thursday evening.

A council report advised leaders to support the funding, saying the money will enable "more people to access and enjoy this cultural and natural heritage" site.

A mansion spokesperson wrote in a council report: "The mansion is at risk. Unable to conserve and repair the most vulnerable areas suffering decay and loss and with current repairs coming to their end of life.

"By 2035 we want to see the mansion thriving, financially stable, with the chapel conserved, and the roof repaired."

The Grade-I listed building dates back to the 1850s, and was never finished.

It was commissioned by William Leigh, but Victorian workmen mysteriously downed their tools and abandoned it mid-construction in 1873.

The building is owned by Stroud District Council and managed by Woodchester Mansion Trust.