Express & Echo (City & East Devon Edition)
Trust vows to save what it can of historic manor house after blaze
❝❝ I know many people are distraught by what has happened and we are all feeling a deep sense of loss Dr Peter Totterdill
AHEARTBROKEN team of dedicated charity members and volunteers have vowed to continue its mission to save Poltimore House from ruin – despite the historic mansion being ravaged by a fire after many years of painstaking restoration work.
The former stately home of the Bampfylde family, near Broadclyst, was the victim of a suspected arson in the early hours of Tuesday, April 9.
Poltimore House Trust, which was established in 2000 to preserve the historic building and its estate, stated it was “absolutely devastated” by the blaze and confirmed that “extensive damage” was caused.
It has launched an appeal to make the house and grounds safe following the “terrible fire” and to assess options for future restoration. Its goal is to raise £100,000, with just over £7,000 pledged so far.
The funds will be used to clear up and make the site safe and accessible to welcome visitors again.
Dr Peter Totterdill, chair of Poltimore House Trust, said: “This amazing place has been loved by so many people over the years, and my heart goes out to all the many volunteers who have worked so hard to protect and restore Poltimore House. I (was) at the house all morning (after the fire) and am shocked at the scale of the devastation.
“We’re hoping the external walls can be saved but it’s too early to know what can be saved, if anything, inside the house. I hope our architect and an engineer will be able to assess possibilities over the next few days.
“I know many people are distraught by what has happened and we are all feeling a deep sense of loss. However, I have been in touch with many of our board members and we’re determined to save what we can of this important part of Devon’s heritage, and to hold on to our vision of Poltimore House and grounds as a place for everyone.
“More than ever, we need everyone’s help to recover from this disaster and to move forward with optimism.”
Over the past couple of years, the house and grounds have become a major hub for the local community, with a farm shop, thriving cafe, open house sessions and events – all supported by dedicated volunteers.
The trust has expressed its thanks to the emergency services and local community for all their support.
Police have confirmed an arson investigation is under way, and last week two boys, aged 14 and 1, were arrested on suspicion of arson. Both were released on police bail until
July 4 while further enquiries are made.
Officers appealing for anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious around the time of the fire to contact them online or by telephoning 101, quoting crime reference number 50240083403.
Poltimore House was built between 1550 and 1590, and was initially home to the Bampfyldes.
Centuries later, the house was put up for sale, becoming the Poltimore College for Girls in 1921, before being transformed into a hospital in 1945. It exchanged hands a number of times before fire destroyed the ballroom and the bedrooms above it in 1987.
Vandalism, theft and further deterioration followed at the once elegant house before efforts from English
Heritage, East Devon District Council and eventually the Buildings at Risk Trust saved it from destruction. In 2000 it was acquired by the Poltimore House Trust.
The Friends of Poltimore House, who help maintain the grounds, keep the doors open to the public and host various events. Its Branches Cafe, which is popular with visitors, is run by volunteers.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Friends of Poltimore House, which had put on displays showing the amazing work carried out by volunteers during that time.
The Poltimore Music & Arts Festival was set to make a return on May 25 ad 2, after a break of five years.
» To donate to the fundraiser, see crowdfunder.co.uk/p/poltimorehouse-fire-appeal