A major Coventry visitor attraction that has undergone a £10 million refurbishment is holding two open days as it seeks volunteers to help celebrate its rich history.
Grade I listed Charterhouse off London Road, which has been restored by Historic Coventry Trust in partnership with Coventry City Council and the local community, is hosting the events on Saturday, January 14 and Saturday, February 11.
Unique medieval and Tudor wall paintings have been part of the extensive restoration project along with the gardens at the former Carthusian monastery.
Volunteers, who must be aged over 18, are needed for regular open days and special events throughout the year held at the 14th Century building - that links with London Road Cemetery and the wider Charterhouse Heritage Park.
Hannah Jones, General Manager at Charterhouse, said: “Now beautifully restored, Charterhouse is ready to welcome visitors and tell its stories. Our volunteers will be key in ensuring visitors get a warm welcome and we are looking for vibrant and positive people to join our friendly team to help establish Charterhouse as Coventry’s premier destination.
“We are hoping to attract a diverse range of people to form our volunteer team so that it is representative of Coventry’s population.”
The volunteering opportunity will provide people with new skills, allow them to gain experience and have fun while meeting new people. There will also be opportunities to get involved in gardening or conservation in the Heritage Park.
Elizabeth Bayton, a volunteer with Historic Coventry Trust, said: “I love Charterhouse. And I want everyone else to love it too. Being involved in this unique building gives you a sense of pride in our city and its amazing history. It's a very welcoming place to join in.”
The Charterhouse is the only Carthusian monastery in the country with intact interiors. The new visitor attraction will include interactive displays charting the site’s long history since its founding by King Richard II in 1385, as well as the relandscaping of the inner precinct as a beautiful walled garden.
Historic Coventry Trust’s £10 million restoration of Charterhouse has been a partnership with Coventry City Council, supported by major grants from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England and several trusts and foundations including Garfield Weston, Wolfson, Foyle and Historic Houses Foundation, Edward Cadbury and Allchurches.
Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to sign up and attend an open day to find out more, have a tour of the venue and get their questions answered. For more information visit www.historiccoventrytrust.org.uk/volunteer
Caption: Charterhouse off London Road has undergone £10 million of restoration work