Investment promises fresh lease of life for historic property
A £150,000 Government cash boost will help throw open the doors of one of the Humber region’s finest listed buildings – Baysgarth House in Barton-upon-Humber.
The investment will enable extensive repairs to be carried out to the fabric of the building, which is set in 30 acres of parkland – allowing it re-open as early as spring 2025.
A programme of works will then take place at the 18th century building – with plans to create a museum and exhibition space, gift shop, café, archive, and community spaces.
It comes as Barton receives a further £5,000 to promote the town’s heritage, putting it on the map as a visitor destination of historical significance and attracting waves of new visitors.
Councillor Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “It’s brilliant to see this Government cash being used to give a new lease of life to local landmarks and historic buildings like Baysgarth House that residents hold dear.
“Together with hardworking volunteers, we are working hard to preserve North Lincolnshire’s fascinating heritage, but we want to go even further – creating new and improved attractions, increasing community pride and showcasing our area to even more people.”
Another of the town’s buildings, and the longest Grade II listed structure in the country, The Ropewalk, will receive £7,600 to tell the story of renowned horse painter, George Stubbs – whose connection to North Lincolnshire is being explored this year in a series of events and workshops.
Liz Bennet, managing director at The Ropewalk, said: “Barton-upon-Humber is a historic town with many hidden riches and this funding will go a long way to publicising this important heritage on our doorstep.
“Artist George Stubbs created many of his important early works whilst under the patronage of the Nelthorpe family who were the owners of Baysgarth House at the time.
“This funding will enable The Ropewalk to work in partnership with Scawby Hall, the current home of the Nelthorpe family, and North Lincolnshire Museum to explore the importance of North Lincolnshire in this artist’s work.”
The cash comes from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, a central pillar of the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6bn of funding for local investment by March 2025.
