Last week John visited Thomas Plume’s Library in Maldon, to learn more about the recent restorations that were completed to preserve the historic building.
Thomas Plume’s Library is one of the oldest public libraries in the UK. The Plume Library was added to Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register in 2020, as restoration work was deemed essential to protect Plume’s collection of rare books, manuscripts and paintings, and to ensure as many people as possible can enjoy the library in its original setting in the future.
The library just recently reopened after the urgent restoration work was completed, work that was made possible by the £70,000 grant from Historic England, alongside the £102,000 jointly raised by Thomas Plume Library Trust and Maldon Town Council.
Sarah Dignasse, a Trustee for Thomas Plume’s Library, said “The Trustees are delighted with the improvements to the building which will keep Thomas Plume’s Library safe for the future. We are grateful to the funding bodies and individuals who contributed to the cost of the renovation works and the safe storage of the library contents whilst the work was completed.
John said “It is great news that Historic England, which is funded by the Department of Digital Culture Media and Sport, has given a grant to help to preserve Thomas Plume’s Library. At the centre of the town, this beautiful building and its nationally important collection are a fantastic part of Maldon’s heritage and this money will help ensure that local residents and visitors can continue to enjoy it for years to come.”
