Report completion marks next stage of Grade I city monument works plan
Proposed conservation, landscape improvement and cleaning works at another of Winchester’s most important historic structures are progressing.
Winchester City Council commissioned a specialist report about required works to Hyde Abbey Gateway, a Grade I listed Scheduled Ancient Monument which comprises a covered archway with a side pedestrian gate, and a secure chamber on the south-eastern side.
The report details proposals for inside and outside the monument including netting to deter pigeons, wall conservation, new drainage and lighting, and the replacement of the interpretation boards which explain the building’s history to visitors.
The plan will now be submitted to Historic England to obtain their official scheduled monument consent to carry out the works.
Hyde Abbey Gateway, which is thought to date back to the 15th century, is one of the few remaining parts of mediaeval monastery Hyde Abbey that are visible above ground. The Abbey was dissolved and demolished in 1538 during the reign of Henry VIII.
The gatehouse section later also marked the entrance to Hyde House until that house was demolished in 1769.
Cllr Martin Tod, Leader of Winchester City Council, said:
"We're lucky in Winchester to be custodians of such an interesting piece of history - and I'm grateful to all the people who've worked on such carefully and sensitively thought-through plans."
Plans for Hyde Abbey Gateway are in addition to our recent consent from Historic England to repair another of our historic monuments – the Buttercross.
Read the full Hyde Abbey Gateway report (pdf, 5.2mb).