My Previous Visits to Wymering Manor and Research

Wymering Manor is a grade two* listed building located in Cosham, and is the oldest building within Portsmouth. The manor was built in 1581, with later additions in the 18th and 19th century. (1) The manors history is very detailed and complex, the first known record was in 1042 when it was owned by King Edward the Confessor. The manor has a lot of folklore and legends surrounding it, there are claims that the manor is heavily haunted. (2) 

I first visited Wymering Manor in October of last year. When walking around the manor, it was apparent that the manor is very run down, as seen in the photos above, parts of the manor have become warped, collapsed, and started to cave inwards. This is due to the age of the manor and the deathwatch beetles that live and eat the wooden frame of the manor. Below are other photos I took during my first visit:

Initially, I found that the manor is at a state where not a lot could be done to protect and restore it, due to the deathwatch beetle infestation as well as the extensive amount of work that would need to take place to ensure that the manor is structurally safe. At this moment in time, myself and other students felt that the manor seemed almost tired, and that it should be allowed to deteriorate naturally. I also felt that, although controversial, a building should be allowed to deteriorate if the damage is too far gone, even with a protected building with a rich history such as the manor. I also felt that the Ship of Theseus thought experiment applied very well to the manor.

After this visit, I started researching demographics in Wymering and Cosham area. From my research, I observed that Wymering is in a significantly uneducated and unemployed area, classed as a 'hard-pressed living' area and surrounded by a lot of rental properties. I also observed that over time Wymering Manor has lost almost all of its original land to the local council for property development, leaving the manor with the minimal amount of land it currently has.

I felt that a historical building such as the manor deserves much more land surrounding it so that it can be fully enjoyed and have a richer experience, but this is not an option, so our attention turns to what the manor's function could be. Looking back at my research, the manor's function should ideally involve bringing the community together, some relation to local culture and history, and potentially a small business or a different way to make an income.

From this, I started my development of S.A.H.R. and my plan of adapting the manor into a museum with a café. Adapting Wymering Manor into a museum was the best choice as the manor is located in a significantly uneducated and unemployed area. This gives the local community job opportunities and access to local history and self education. Additionally, this will bring the community together and will be a new heritage attraction that the local community can be proud of. The manor is located in the middle of a large area of housing, which has very few attractions or shops. From this, installing a café within the museum will increase popularity, visitors, and additional job opportunities.

I also discussed what sort of work will need to take place to make the manor structurally safe; support beams will need to be installed, especially in the drawing room, dining room, queens room, loft and most of second floor. The staircase from first to second floor will need more structural support as its sunken. A foundation of sorts will need to be installed to protect the manor from dampness, rot, and the deathwatch beetles, wood treatment will need to take place as well to further protect the manor. Restoration will be needed for the interior and exterior walls, floors and roof, ideally the donated carpet that runs through the manor will be removed and the original flooring restored - if possible - or replaced by a replica. The windows and doors should be evaluated if they are suitable to be restored, or replaced with a replica. The current wiring and technology should be revaluated, and replaced with wireless technology to minimise the loss and changes being made. Any technology or wiring that cannot be made wireless should be carefully considered and installed in hidden spaces; under the floor, in cavity walls etc. Technology that cannot be hidden - light switches, light fixtures etc. - should be made and adapted into a style that fits the manor, so that they don't look out of place and an eyesore. Taking steps like these will ensure that the manor is safe and stable enough to function safely as a museum, as well as turning the manor into its own artefact.

Throughout the restoration and protection process, the manor should be treated with respect, and each step carefully discussed with conservationists, client, and architects. Any materials that need removing should be reused within the museum, as a artefact or adapted into an interactive element. The cost of restoration and development of the manor will be steep, ideally funding will be given by Portsmouth City council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

I also developed a plan for the manor: 

(All photos taken by me, links to any blog is to my own blog.)