Historic building must remain open

Our medieval heritage is in danger once again with the possible closure as a museum of the Poor Priests Hospital.

Obviously we can all see the city council’s problem that the property is not making money as a museum and is an increasing drain on hardpressed resources and with falling visitor numbers.

The latter is hardly surprising since it is frequently closed, certainly over the winter months.

Also it is not sufficiently publicised and the signposting is poor.

The proposed handing over of the building to the Marlowe Trust might be its salvation and it was good the city council invited those interested to two meetings several weeks ago.

I attended one session and it was clear those present were passionate that this Grade I historic building of national importance should remain open.

It would be good if the Marlowe Trust took it over thus ensuring its future financially, but even more can be done with it in such a situation.

There is surely space to move all the post-medieval museum exhibits to the Beaney where they would be more appropriately exhibited, and retain the medieval collection within the 14th century building.

The Second World War material is hardly appropriate in such a setting as a medieval hall.

It is surely rational when you think

we have one museum devoted to our Roman heritage.

Such a measure would still allow room for other events within its walls.

While members present were concerned about exhibiting artifacts using the most modern display technology to make them attractive to a 21st century audience, they also highlighted the building’s potential educational use for meetings and classes with schools, as well as links with the universities and relevant history degree courses, and those run by the local branch of the WEA.

There would also surely be space for art exhibitions such as those by the E

st Kent Art Society, exiled from its old home for countless generations in the Beaney’s Slater Gallery, due not least to cost of hire.

As I listened to the debate over its future beneath the wonderful open timber roof I thought how fortunate the city was to have such a wonderful building.

Closed it will not bring in any revenue but will still have to be maintained at considerable cost.

Let us make this building a throbbing heart of Canterbury’s cultural and educational scene. Hubert Pragnell Meadow Road, Canterbury