EXCITED schoolkids officially re-opened the 14th century Coventry Charterhouse – which is now the city’s first National Trust property.
Pupils from Years 3-6 at All Saints CofE Primary School were invited to look round the medieval property and take part in a blossom trail and craft activities.
The National Trust has partnered with Historic Coventry Trust, which owns the Grade I listed Charterhouse and oversaw its multi-million-pound renovation, to manage the day-to-day operations of the site off London Road.
All Saints headteacher Cara Page said: “This has been a brilliant opportunity for the children to see history that they have learned in the classroom brought to life at a building just a few steps away from our school.
“Visiting the Charterhouse will create really strong memories for the children. We want them to be proud of the area that they live in and to know the importance of celebrating historic buildings such as the Charterhouse.”
Ten-year-old pupil Alex said: “I’m excited to be here. It’s wonderful to see the building and to do so many fun activities. It’s lovely to see it re-open again.”
National Trust Property Operations Manager Kristenne Pickles said the re-opening was a wonderful opportunity to bring history to life to a new audience.
She said: “Watching the children’s faces taking part in the activities and wandering around the garden was a perfect example of our aim to work with organisations throughout Coventry and beyond to attract communities to learn more about history and heritage.
“The Charterhouse is a fantastic building with so many stories to tell from its rich history.
“We will be working with Historic Coventry Trust and the local community to encourage visitors of all ages and from all backgrounds to take a walk through our beautiful gardens and explore the house to find out more about this historical gem.”
Volunteer Elizabeth Yardley, who is part of a family that has lived in Coventry for over 400 years, added: “Sharing history and especially local history is so important. Sometimes we don’t know what’s there and we need someone to link it altogether.
“I’m hoping that more children and local residents in particular will come to the Charterhouse along with National Trust members putting this on their itinerary because I think they will be surprised how close we are to the city when we have rivers, trees, otters and birds here as well as a house with an amazing history and gardens.”
The 14th-century former monastery features 15th and 16th century wall paintings, widely regarded as some of the finest surviving examples of medieval and Renaissance art in England.
The Festival of Blossom will take place during May half-term at the Charterhouse, and visitors can have a go at family-friendly blossom crafts.
Visitors can also explore a walled garden which shows how Carthusian monks living at the Charterhouse would have grown their food.
There is also a wildlife pond, community orchard, children’s play area, and grassland park, and visitors can enjoy guided tours of interiors.
Jennie Rutte, Manager at Historic Coventry Trust, said: “The Charterhouse is here to be enjoyed by the whole community and this partnership with the National Trust is an opportunity to encourage different audiences from the city and beyond to visit. This is the start of a memorable new chapter in its history.”
Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change at Coventry City Council, added: “The Charterhouse has an amazing history and thanks to this partnership, it has a bright future to look forward to as well.
“The National Trust taking over this historic building is such great news for our city. Their expertise, profile and support will not only make the Charterhouse a landmark attraction, but it will also bring visitors from all over the country to Coventry to see what we have to offer.”
Cllr Naeem Akhtar, cabinet member for Housing and Communities said, “We are a city full of history with some absolutely fantastic historic buildings. I’m sure the Charterhouse will thrive for future generations under the careful operational management of the National Trust as a hub of culture and heritage. This partnership is enhancing our cultural offer for both residents and visitors to enjoy.”
Coventry Charterhouse will be operated in partnership between Historic Coventry Trust, which owns the property and led its £11.9million restoration with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and the National Trust, which will help bring the site to wider audiences locally, nationally and internationally.
In addition to managing the Charterhouse, the National Trust will also work with partners including the John Muir Trust to support the development of the wider heritage park and the green corridor connecting it to the city centre.
Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/warwickshire/coventry-charterhouse for more information.
