Southchurch Hall, a rare and much-loved medieval manor house in Southend-on-Sea, has been awarded £423,105 from the Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND). This crucial funding, provided by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and administered by Arts Council England, will support urgent repairs and safeguard the historic building for future generations.
This significant grant will ensure the preservation of Southchurch Hall’s historic fabric, securing its legacy while unlocking new opportunities to enhance its role as a cultural and community asset. The funding success reflects the dedication of Southend Museums and the council’s Property and Estates teams, who worked tirelessly to secure the grant.
A cherished piece of Southend’s heritage
Southchurch Hall is a Grade I listed medieval moated manor house and one of the most historically significant buildings in Southend. Likely built between 1321 and 1364 on the site of an earlier Saxon hall, it retains many original medieval features, offering a unique glimpse into Southend’s past. The hall, once home to farming families, was extensively restored in 1930 and gifted to the town by the Dowsett family. Today, it stands as a vital part of Southend Museums, a council-funded service dedicated to preserving the area’s rich heritage.
The manor house features a striking timber-framed design, with a Great Hall that remains largely in its 14th-century form. Visitors can still see original smoke-blackened timbers in the roof, a remnant of the hall’s medieval open-fire heating system. Over the centuries, extensions were added, including a Tudor addition and a 1930s restoration that replaced much of the roof while maintaining its historic character. The hall is even listed in Simon Jenkins’ book of England’s top 1,000 houses, cementing its status as an architectural treasure.
Restoring the past, shaping the future
The £423,105 funding will allow for much-needed repairs to ensure Southchurch Hall remains a vibrant space for exhibitions, events, and visitors eager to explore its history. By investing in the hall’s restoration, the council aims to enhance its commercial potential and strengthen its role as a hub for both local residents and tourists.
Cllr Matt Dent, Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism, and Business, expressed his enthusiasm for the funding:
“We are delighted to see Southchurch Hall receive this £423,105 grant from the Museum Estate and Development Fund to protect its historic character. This investment preserves our rich heritage while unlocking the Hall’s potential as a vibrant cultural asset. I’d like to thank our Southend Museums and Property and Estates teams for their hard work on the funding bid. With Southend City Day on 1 March, this news comes at the perfect time to celebrate our shared history and the arts. As the Hall is in my ward, I am especially proud to see this achievement.”
Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of the Council, also welcomed the news, emphasising the importance of preserving Southend’s historic landmarks:
“At the heart of our vision is a commitment to civic pride, and restoring Southchurch Hall is a shining example of that promise. By investing in this historic asset, we are protecting a vital piece of our past and building a brighter future for our community.
“I am very grateful to Southend Museums and our Property and Estates team for securing this funding from the Museum Estate and Development Fund. With Southend City Day on 1 March celebrating the spirit and unity of our city, this announcement perfectly reflects our collective pride in Southend.”
A historical landmark with a bright future
Southchurch Hall remains an invaluable asset to the local community, attracting visitors eager to explore its fascinating history. With this funding, it will continue to serve as a hub for cultural and educational activities, strengthening its role in Southend’s heritage landscape.
As part of Southend Museums, the hall operates with seasonal opening hours:
1st March – 31st October:
- Monday & Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday – Sunday: 11am – 4pm
1st November – 29th February:
- Monday – Friday: Closed
- Saturday & Sunday: 11am – 3pm
The restoration of Southchurch Hall is a testament to the city’s dedication to preserving its past while looking towards the future. With this funding, a treasured piece of Southend’s history is set to thrive for generations to come.