Sad to see fire after so much hard work to restore manor

IT is always a shame to read about a fire breaking out, especially one on the scale of Tuesday’s blaze at Poltimore House.

Thankfully – at least at the time of going to press – no one was injured in the incident, and people have not lost their home or livelihood as a result, but it still caused sadness.

It is well known that the once grand building had fallen into disrepair over recent decades. However, two local charities were working hard to make it useable again and welcome people back to the house and grounds, which date from the 150s.

Only three weeks ago we reported the Poltimore Music & Arts Festival was due to return after a five-year gap at the end of May. It is not yet known if that will still go ahead.

Fire crews were called to the major fire in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Officers from Devon & Cornwall Police also attended the incident, and are now looking into what they say is a “suspected arson”.

The former home of the Poltimore family, near Broadclyst, is steeped in history, having been in use as a hospital and college and in 14 negotiations for the peace Treaty of Exeter took place in the Great Hall, ending the Civil War in the South West.

Over the last few years the Poltimore House Trust and Friends of Poltimore House have carried out some restoration work, making the house more welcoming to visitors.

The return of the Poltimore Music & Arts Festival was due to raise funds to repair and renovate the house further.

Its return, thanks to the Music in Devon Initiative and the University of Exeter, was welcomed by local residents.

Carol Jobling, from the Friends of Poltimore House, said at the time: “To bring this popular festival back for the community and use it as a platform for fundraising to secure Poltimore House’s long-term future is exciting.

“In its heyday, the house and its grounds were in regular use by the community for events, recreation and their wellbeing.

“It’s our hope that we can restore this breathtaking asset, help bring the community together and allow them to enjoy and be inspired by this beautiful space for decades to come.”

While the extent of the damage was still being assessed as the Echo went to press, there can be no doubt that the work of the charities and dedicated volunteers just got a lot harder.

We hope those responsible for causing the fire are found and held to account, and those who treasure this historic building can rally round and not let the actions of others prevent them from fulfilling their dream.