The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust has introduced a new fundraising initiative that lets supporters “adopt” a structural beam in Hall’s Croft — the former home of Shakespeare’s daughter, Susanna Hall, and her husband, Dr John Hall.
The 400-year-old property in Stratford-upon-Avon suffered significant damage in October when a car accidentally reversed into the building. To help complete restoration efforts, the Trust has launched a £500,000 appeal, part of a larger £2.5 million conservation project.
Under the new scheme, anyone donating £500 or more can adopt a beam within the historic Jacobean house and will receive a certificate acknowledging their contribution.
Damage Reveals the Building’s Fragility
Luke Purser, the Trust’s director of development, said the impact caused “quite significant” structural harm, shattering beams and leaving a large hole in the outer wall.
“We were very lucky the car missed the main supporting timbers, otherwise the house could have collapsed,” he explained.
Although the driver’s insurance will cover immediate repair costs, the incident underscored how vulnerable the centuries-old building is to modern traffic and everyday wear.
Conservation Work Already Underway
Restoration efforts were already in progress at the rear of the property when the collision occurred, but the Trust has now been forced to bring forward the project’s second phase.
“We are removing all of the infill panels between the timber frames — in a typical black-and-white building, all the white parts are being replaced,” Purser said, noting that these panels were added in the 1950s and are no longer fit for purpose.
So far, workers have removed around 70 tonnes of concrete from the Grade I listed building, which dates back to 1613.
A Building with a Long and Varied History
Throughout most of its existence, Hall’s Croft was home to affluent professionals, and in the mid-19th century it even served as a small school. The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust purchased the property in 1949, carried out extensive repairs, and opened it to the public in 1951. Today, it also functions as an educational centre.
Encouraging the Public to Get Involved
Speaking about the new “adopt-a-beam” appeal, Purser said the goal is to engage the wider community.
“Hall’s Croft is such a significant building in Stratford, and we want everyone to have the chance to play a part in its preservation,” he said.
