Wiltshire Historic Buildings Trust
Encyclopedia
The Wiltshire Historic Buildings Trust (founded in 1967, sometimes abbreviated
WHBT) is a charitable organization
which works to preserve the architectural
heritage
of Wiltshire
, in the West of England
.
and a company limited by guarantee
.
The money employed by the Trust originated in a single grant
made at the time of its foundation by the former Wiltshire County Council
, funding which has been described by the Trust's President Lord Lansdowne
as "a revolving capital sum".
Since 1967, the Trust has been instrumental in a number of projects for the restoration and conversion of historic buildings large and small. At the end of a project, the restored building is sold, so that the Trust can recover the money laid out and look for a new project.
The restoration projects of the charity have included the following buildings: Barton Farm, Bradford on Avon
(sold 1975); Number 23, South Wraxall
; Wilton Windmill
, near Marborough (completed 1976); Number 3, High Street, Marlborough; Numbers 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 21, 23 and 25, Church Street, Calne
(1987–1992); The Well House, Derry Hill
(2002–2003); The Ostler's House, at the Hare and Hounds public house
, Pickwick
(2003–2004); The Apple Store, Rowdeford (2006); and The Granary, Manor Farm, Yatesbury
(2006–2007).
Given its planned nature as a revolving fund, the articles of association
of the Trust prevent it from making grants to private owners of historic buildings, but it has sometimes made contributions to special projects around Wiltshire promoted by others. A loan was made to the Merchant's House Trust in Marlborough to enable it to buy the burgage plot
associated with the Merchant's House. Grants have included one to the Warminster Buildings Preservation Trust for a town centre project, another to the Friends of Lydiard Park to help with the restoration of an ice house in the grounds of that country house
(a project completed in 2007), and a contribution was made to the Salisbury Cathedral
Appeal.
s are known as 'Governors'. Until 2009, they included two representatives of Wiltshire County Council
and up to two from each of Wiltshire's district councils
(Kennet, North Wiltshire
, Salisbury
, and West Wiltshire
), as well as up to two from unitary
Swindon
, which before 1997 was the district of Thamesdown. Since the 2009 structural changes to local government in England
of April 2009, the Governors include four appointed by the new Wiltshire Council
unitary authority and one by the Borough of Swindon. Apart from those five, new Governors are appointed by the existing Governors of the Trust.
The Trust itself is a member of the Association of Preservation Trusts.
in Devizes
, including a new use for the building, but believes the project is likely to need assistance from the Heritage Lottery Fund
. The Trust has employed two advisors, Architecton Architects of Bristol and De Facto Consultants, to produce an options appraisal, and the work on this report is finished, incorporating local consultation. The preferred option which has resulted is for a community arts and conference centre
, with coffee bar
, plus offices for community use, aiming to reintegrate the building into the life of Devizes. The report suggests other options, including one for conversion to apartments. An offer has been made to purchase the building, but this has not been accepted. The owner has been refused planning permission
for conversion into twenty flats, but has said he intends to pursue another scheme for residential conversion.
Abbreviation
An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word or phrase. Usually, but not always, it consists of a letter or group of letters taken from the word or phrase...
WHBT) is a charitable organization
Charitable organization
A charitable organization is a type of non-profit organization . It differs from other types of NPOs in that it centers on philanthropic goals A charitable organization is a type of non-profit organization (NPO). It differs from other types of NPOs in that it centers on philanthropic goals A...
which works to preserve the architectural
Architecture
Architecture is both the process and product of planning, designing and construction. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural and political symbols and as works of art...
heritage
Cultural heritage
Cultural heritage is the legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society that are inherited from past generations, maintained in the present and bestowed for the benefit of future generations...
of Wiltshire
Wiltshire
Wiltshire is a ceremonial county in South West England. It is landlocked and borders the counties of Dorset, Somerset, Hampshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire. It contains the unitary authority of Swindon and covers...
, in the West of England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
.
History
The Trust was formed in 1967, its purpose being "to preserve property and buildings of architectural and historical interest in the county for the benefit of the nation". It is both a registered charityCharitable organization
A charitable organization is a type of non-profit organization . It differs from other types of NPOs in that it centers on philanthropic goals A charitable organization is a type of non-profit organization (NPO). It differs from other types of NPOs in that it centers on philanthropic goals A...
and a company limited by guarantee
Company limited by guarantee
In British and Irish company law, a private company limited by guarantee is an alternative type of corporation used primarily for non-profit organisations that require legal personality. A guarantee company does not usually have a share capital or shareholders, but instead has members who act as...
.
The money employed by the Trust originated in a single grant
Grant (money)
Grants are funds disbursed by one party , often a Government Department, Corporation, Foundation or Trust, to a recipient, often a nonprofit entity, educational institution, business or an individual. In order to receive a grant, some form of "Grant Writing" often referred to as either a proposal...
made at the time of its foundation by the former Wiltshire County Council
Wiltshire County Council
Wiltshire County Council was the county council of Wiltshire in the South West of England, an elected local Government body responsible for most local government services in the county....
, funding which has been described by the Trust's President Lord Lansdowne
Charles Petty-FitzMaurice, 9th Marquess of Lansdowne
Charles Maurice Petty-FitzMaurice, 9th Marquess of Lansdowne LVO DL , styled Earl of Shelburne between 1944 and 1997, is a British peer.-Early life:...
as "a revolving capital sum".
Since 1967, the Trust has been instrumental in a number of projects for the restoration and conversion of historic buildings large and small. At the end of a project, the restored building is sold, so that the Trust can recover the money laid out and look for a new project.
The restoration projects of the charity have included the following buildings: Barton Farm, Bradford on Avon
Bradford on Avon
Bradford on Avon is a town in west Wiltshire, England with a population of about 9,326. The town's canal, historic buildings, shops, pubs and restaurants make it popular with tourists....
(sold 1975); Number 23, South Wraxall
South Wraxall
South Wraxall Manor is a Grade I listed country house which dates from the early 15th century, located at South Wraxall in the English county of Wiltshire, near Bradford on Avon...
; Wilton Windmill
Wilton Windmill
The Wilton Windmill is a five floor brick tower mill located on a chalk ridge between the villages of Wilton and Great Bedwyn in the southern English county of Wiltshire.-History:...
, near Marborough (completed 1976); Number 3, High Street, Marlborough; Numbers 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 21, 23 and 25, Church Street, Calne
Calne
Calne is a town in Wiltshire, southwestern England. It is situated at the northwestern extremity of the North Wessex Downs hill range, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty....
(1987–1992); The Well House, Derry Hill
Derry Hill
Derry Hill is a village in the English county of Wiltshire, belonging to the civil parish of Calne Without.-Geography:Derry Hill is located to the south of the A4 road, east of Chippenham and to the west of Calne...
(2002–2003); The Ostler's House, at the Hare and Hounds public house
Public house
A public house, informally known as a pub, is a drinking establishment fundamental to the culture of Britain, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. There are approximately 53,500 public houses in the United Kingdom. This number has been declining every year, so that nearly half of the smaller...
, Pickwick
Pickwick
Pickwick may refer to:*The Pickwick Papers, a novel by Charles Dickens, or its main character, Mr Pickwick**The Pickwick Papers , a british 1952-film**The Pickwick Papers ....
(2003–2004); The Apple Store, Rowdeford (2006); and The Granary, Manor Farm, Yatesbury
Yatesbury
Yatesbury is a village adjacent to Cherhill, 1 mile north of the A4 road between Calne and Marlborough in Wiltshire, England. Yatesbury forms part of The Oldbury Benefice, which comprises the five parishes of Cherhill, Compton Bassett, Heddington, Calstone Wellington and Yatesbury.-RAF...
(2006–2007).
Given its planned nature as a revolving fund, the articles of association
Articles of Association
The Continental Association, often known simply as the "Association", was a system created by the First Continental Congress in 1774 for implementing a trade boycott with Great Britain...
of the Trust prevent it from making grants to private owners of historic buildings, but it has sometimes made contributions to special projects around Wiltshire promoted by others. A loan was made to the Merchant's House Trust in Marlborough to enable it to buy the burgage plot
Burgage
Burgage is a medieval land term used in England and Scotland, well established by the 13th century. A burgage was a town rental property , owned by a king or lord. The property usually, and distinctly, consisted of a house on a long and narrow plot of land, with the narrow end facing the street...
associated with the Merchant's House. Grants have included one to the Warminster Buildings Preservation Trust for a town centre project, another to the Friends of Lydiard Park to help with the restoration of an ice house in the grounds of that country house
English country house
The English country house is a large house or mansion in the English countryside. Such houses were often owned by individuals who also owned a London house. This allowed to them to spend time in the country and in the city—hence, for these people, the term distinguished between town and country...
(a project completed in 2007), and a contribution was made to the Salisbury Cathedral
Salisbury Cathedral
Salisbury Cathedral, formally known as the Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is an Anglican cathedral in Salisbury, England, considered one of the leading examples of Early English architecture....
Appeal.
Presidents
- 1967–1975: John Morrison, 1st Baron MargadaleJohn Morrison, 1st Baron MargadaleMajor John Granville Morrison, 1st Baron Margadale, TD, DL was a British Conservative Party politician.He was appointed High Sheriff of Wiltshire for 1938 and was Member of Parliament for Salisbury from 1942 until 1965....
- 1975–1994: The Countess of RadnorJacob Pleydell-Bouverie, 8th Earl of RadnorJacob Pleydell-Bouverie, 8th Earl of Radnor was a British nobleman. He was the son of William Pleydell-Bouverie and Helena Olivia Adeane....
OBEOrder of the British EmpireThe Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions...
DLDeputy LieutenantIn the United Kingdom, a Deputy Lieutenant is one of several deputies to the Lord Lieutenant of a lieutenancy area; an English ceremonial county, Welsh preserved county, Scottish lieutenancy area, or Northern Irish county borough or county.... - 1994 to date: 9th Marquess of LansdowneCharles Petty-FitzMaurice, 9th Marquess of LansdowneCharles Maurice Petty-FitzMaurice, 9th Marquess of Lansdowne LVO DL , styled Earl of Shelburne between 1944 and 1997, is a British peer.-Early life:...
(as Earl of Shelburne, 1994–1997)
Chairmen
- 1967–1976: Sir Geoffrey Tritton, 3rd Bt.Tritton BaronetsThe Tritton Baronetcy, of Bloomfield in the Borough of Lambeth in the County of London, is a title in the Baronetage of the United Kingdom. It was created on 1 August 1905 for Ernest Tritton, Conservative Member of Parliament for Norwood from 1892 to 1906....
- 1976–1980: Mrs B. G. Sykes
- 1980–1986: Dr T. K. Maurice OBEOrder of the British EmpireThe Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions...
- 1986 to date: Mr G. F. McDonic MBEOrder of the British EmpireThe Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions...
Governors
The TrusteeTrustee
Trustee is a legal term which, in its broadest sense, can refer to any person who holds property, authority, or a position of trust or responsibility for the benefit of another...
s are known as 'Governors'. Until 2009, they included two representatives of Wiltshire County Council
Wiltshire County Council
Wiltshire County Council was the county council of Wiltshire in the South West of England, an elected local Government body responsible for most local government services in the county....
and up to two from each of Wiltshire's district councils
Non-metropolitan district
Non-metropolitan districts, or colloquially shire districts, are a type of local government district in England. As created, they are sub-divisions of non-metropolitan counties in a so-called "two-tier" arrangement...
(Kennet, North Wiltshire
North Wiltshire
North Wiltshire was a local government district in Wiltshire, England, formed on 1 April 1974, by a merger of the municipal boroughs of Calne, Chippenham, and Malmesbury along with Calne and Chippenham Rural District, Cricklade and Wootton Bassett Rural District and Malmesbury Rural District...
, Salisbury
Salisbury (district)
Salisbury was a local government district in Wiltshire, England from 1974 to 2009. Its main urban area was the city of Salisbury.The district was formed on 1 April 1974, under the Local Government Act 1972, as a merger of the previous municipal boroughs of Salisbury and Wilton, along with Amesbury...
, and West Wiltshire
West Wiltshire
West Wiltshire was a local government district in Wiltshire, England, formed on 1 April 1974, further to the Local Government Act 1972, as a merger of the former urban districts of Bradford-on-Avon, Melksham, Trowbridge, Warminster and Westbury, along with Bradford and Melksham Rural District and...
), as well as up to two from unitary
Unitary authority
A unitary authority is a type of local authority that has a single tier and is responsible for all local government functions within its area or performs additional functions which elsewhere in the relevant country are usually performed by national government or a higher level of sub-national...
Swindon
Swindon (borough)
The Borough of Swindon is a local government authority in South West England. It is centred on the town of Swindon and forms part of the ceremonial county of Wiltshire...
, which before 1997 was the district of Thamesdown. Since the 2009 structural changes to local government in England
2009 structural changes to local government in England
Structural changes to local government in England were effected on 1 April 2009, whereby a number of new unitary authorities were created in parts of the country which previously operated a 'two-tier' system of counties and districts...
of April 2009, the Governors include four appointed by the new Wiltshire Council
Wiltshire Council
Wiltshire Council is the unitary authority for most of the county of Wiltshire, in the West of England, the successor authority to Wiltshire County Council and to four districts—Kennet, North Wiltshire, Salisbury, and West Wiltshire—all of which had been created in 1973 and were...
unitary authority and one by the Borough of Swindon. Apart from those five, new Governors are appointed by the existing Governors of the Trust.
The Trust itself is a member of the Association of Preservation Trusts.
Future projects
The Trust is seeking a means to restore the former Assize CourtsAssizes
Assize or Assizes may refer to:Assize or Assizes may refer to:Assize or Assizes may refer to::;in common law countries :::*assizes , an obsolete judicial inquest...
in Devizes
Devizes
Devizes is a market town and civil parish in Wiltshire, England. The town is about southeast of Chippenham and about east of Trowbridge.Devizes serves as a centre for banks, solicitors and shops, with a large open market place where a market is held once a week...
, including a new use for the building, but believes the project is likely to need assistance from the Heritage Lottery Fund
Heritage Lottery Fund
The Heritage Lottery Fund is a fund established in the United Kingdom under the National Lottery etc. Act 1993. The Fund opened for applications in 1994. It uses money raised through the National Lottery to transform and sustain the UK’s heritage...
. The Trust has employed two advisors, Architecton Architects of Bristol and De Facto Consultants, to produce an options appraisal, and the work on this report is finished, incorporating local consultation. The preferred option which has resulted is for a community arts and conference centre
Convention center
A convention center is a large building that is designed to hold a convention, where individuals and groups gather to promote and share common interests. Convention centers typically offer sufficient floor area to accommodate several thousand attendees...
, with coffee bar
Coffeehouse
A coffeehouse or coffee shop is an establishment which primarily serves prepared coffee or other hot beverages. It shares some of the characteristics of a bar, and some of the characteristics of a restaurant, but it is different from a cafeteria. As the name suggests, coffeehouses focus on...
, plus offices for community use, aiming to reintegrate the building into the life of Devizes. The report suggests other options, including one for conversion to apartments. An offer has been made to purchase the building, but this has not been accepted. The owner has been refused planning permission
Planning permission
Planning permission or planning consent is the permission required in the United Kingdom in order to be allowed to build on land, or change the use of land or buildings. Within the UK the occupier of any land or building will need title to that land or building , but will also need "planning...
for conversion into twenty flats, but has said he intends to pursue another scheme for residential conversion.
See also
- Society for the Protection of Ancient BuildingsSociety for the Protection of Ancient BuildingsThe Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings was founded by William Morris, Philip Webb and J.J.Stevenson, and other notable members of the Pre Raphaelite brotherhood, in 1877, to oppose what they saw as the insensitive renovation of ancient buildings then occurring in Victorian...
- Somerset Buildings Preservation TrustSomerset Buildings Preservation TrustThe Somerset Buildings Preservation Trust works to save the architectural heritage of Somerset, England.The Trust is an independent body and consists of up to 18 Trustees who hold Board meetings 3 times a year. It is a Building Preservation Trust with charitable status and a company limited by...
External links
- Wiltshire Historic Buildings Trust - official web site
- Colin Johns, Wiltshire Historic Buildings Trust 1967-2007 (2007) - full text online