Projects
With such a large area as the Cotswolds, and a remit that covers the protection and enhancement of its heritage and environment, our projects can and do vary considerably. Read on to learn more about our current projects.
Renovating the Old Prison
We’re done!
Works started in November to transform the Old Prison. We replaced the two glazed structures on site; the cafe and the gallery. The old (and rather cold) glazed areas have been replaced with warm, fit for purpose glazing. While we were working on the 18th Century Grade 2* listed building, we also repaired the main roof, replaced the kitchen and cafe servery and washrooms too.
We started fundraising for the work we’ve completed to renovate the Old Prison in 2017, and would like to thank all of the trusts and grants that supported this project.
- The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development
- The Notgrove Trust
- Garfield Weston
- The Wyfold Charitable Trust
- The HDH Wills 1965 Charitable Trust
- Woodroffe Benton
- As well as all private donations. Thank you.
We can’t wait for the Old Prison to be back open very soon. Thank you for your patience. We’ll keep you updated on the progress here, on facebook or twitter.
However, our work to the Old Prison is far from over. We’ve already started fund raising for further improvements to the site, with our attention turning to improving the visitor attraction for locals and visitors alike. Watch this space!
The Cotswold Craft Apprenticeship Scheme
Protecting the heritage of the Cotswolds is a natural step for us. Our research has shown a strong need for rural heritage-skills apprenticeships here in the Cotswolds. With significant gaps in the heritage skills sector, and a real need for these skills to maintain the heritage of the area, we are working to bridge this gap. What’s more, this project will also provide an opportunity for local people to gain both qualifications and employment.
We have already started and are supporting two Saddlery Apprentices through the Apprenticeship Scheme as they qualify under the expert wing of Master Saddler Laurence Pearman at Cirencester Saddlers.
We are continuing to fundraise for this project to ensure we can work with as many apprentices and craft employers as possible. If you would like to help you can donate here.
Support Us
You can support our projects, click here to find out more
Tell Us Your Story – The History of the Old Prison
As part of our work to protect and enhance the heritage of the Cotswolds, we are collecting people’s stories and memories of the Old Prison from its time as a House of Correction, Petty Sessional Court and Police Station. By the 1930s the main cell blocks were no longer in use. Some 40 years later the Petty Sessional Court and Police Station also closed. An important part of preserving the history of this heritage building for future generations is to capture any stories or memories you may have. We would love to hear from you.
You can tell us your story about anything related to the Old Prison in Northleach by email to info@thefriendsofthecotswolds.org. We’ll be happy to contact you to check facts and obtain more information if needed. We hope that in collecting these memories we will be better able to tell the story of the Old Prison.
Thank you.
Support Us
You can support our projects, click here to find out more