COUNTY Council chiefs have lent their support to a major revamp of one of the city’s oldest buildings.
Worcestershire County Council is supporting the ‘Make your Mark Campaign’ to help restore the Edgar Tower to its former glory
The tower dates back nearly seven centuries and is considered a building on national importance, as well as housing what is possibly the oldest schoolroom in continuous use in England.
Campaign bosses hope the rebuild will give a unique opportunity to reach out to young people who go on to be opinion formers and leaders of the future.
Coun John Smith, cabinet member for Heath and Wellbeing has donated £500 from his councillor’s fund for 10 stones, each to be engraves ‘WCC’.
“This is a worthwhile cause as it promotes the historical part of the cathedral and is a great tourist attraction for people visiting,” Coun Smith said.
“I’m proud to say that Worcestershire County Council has contributed towards the restoration of the Edgar Tower.”
This impressive gateway to the Cathedral Precinct was built in the mid-14th century, replacing the one built on the orders of King John in the early 13th century.
The massive wooden gates to the main carriageway also date from the 14th century.
Dean of Worcester, the Very Rev Dr Peter Atkinson, said: “The Edgar Tower is one of Worcestershire’s most historic buildings, and a landmark for residents and visitors to the city.
“We are very grateful to the county council for their support, and look forward to the moment when this important building will be fully restored and permanently removed from the Heritage at Risk register.”
The cathedral needs to raise £250,000 to complete the restoration of the stonework then the final phase will be to restore the huge original set of wooden gates.
Through the Make Your Mark Campaign, people can sponsor a stone from £50 which is engraved in the donor’s chosen initials and they receive a photograph of their engraved stone and a diagram of where it will be placed on the Tower.
They also receive a certificate signed by the Dean, containing their personal words of dedication.
Visit www.worcestercathedral.co.uk/Edgar_Tower_Sponsor_a_Stone for more information.
