Hyde Wall - Trust Annual Report 1981
One aspect of conservation work in Winchester where the Trust is especially qualified to help is with important architectural features which are nevertheless of such little practical use that owners are unlikely to restore them from scant private resources. In many cases grant aid may be available for up to 50 per cent. of the cost, but much initial work is necessary before the grant is assured and, particularly where the feature runs through several properties, owners are understandably reluctant to risk the necessary expenditure even if they consider the work desirable.
Our current project in this field is an important but little known wall at the back of Hyde Abbey House. Not only is the wall an attractive example of flint and stonework, but it contains various historic details including an outstanding Jacobean monument. The Trust has been able to appoint an architect, obtain estimates and offers of substantial grants, and approach the nine owners involved. There are numerous problems yet to be overcome in reaching agreement to do the work and it may not be possible to complete the restoration of the wall without more financial aid, but we are reasonably assured that the most important half, which contains the monuŽment, will be restored by the end of the year. On completion the Trust should be able to recoup most of its expenses so that another project of the same kind may be taken on.