Our £3million Conservation Challenge

In 2024, we began a major programme of conservation at Hall’s Croft, thanks in large part to the generosity of US playwright, philanthropist and Hall’s Croft Campaign Ambassador, Ken Ludwig.

The next stage of urgent work will focus on the building’s south-east and south-west elevations and the structural fabric that supports them, including:

• Major conservation repairs to the historic timber frame and external fabric
• Structural stabilisation of key timbers and load-bearing elements
• Specialist repair using appropriate traditional materials and techniques
• Improvements to environmental performance and long-term resilience
• Preventative conservation to reduce future deterioration and safeguard the building for generations to come

These are works are expected to cost more than £3 million and will play a vital role in securing the future of Hall’s Croft. It is essential conservation work to protect one of the most important surviving buildings connected to Shakespeare’s family and preserve a nationally significant museum, place of learning and community asset for future generations.

Why We Are Launching with an Initial £500,000 Push

On 17 October 2025, a driver accidentally reversed into the front of Hall’s Croft, damaging part of the façade and drawing significant public attention to the building’s vulnerability. While insurance will cover the repair of the immediate damage, the incident revealed just how urgent the wider structural issues are — and it has forced us to move straight into Phase 2 of the conservation programme.

This means we must begin major works now, not months or years from now.

The initial £500,000 fundraising push allows us to:

1. Act immediately
   Your support enables us to begin essential preparatory work and keep specialist conservation teams on-site without delay
2. Unlock momentum
   Strong early support from donors helps us maintain progress toward the full £2.5 million needed to secure Hall’s Croft for future generations. This is a rare and important moment to protect one of England’s most historic homes at a time when it genuinely needs urgent help.