Mortimer’s Heritage Project needs you!

Driffield is fortunate to have an excellent example of Georgian canal architecture which has been altered very little since it was built around 1767 when Driffield Navigation was being developed. The building is called Mortimer’s Warehouse, located at River Head at the head of Driffield Navigation.

Currently in private hands, the warehouse was rented by the ‘founder of modern British archaeology’, J. R. Mortimer, in 1861 for his grain and seed merchants company, James Mortimer Ltd, and it stayed in the family business until just a few years ago.

A group of local people are now working with the owners to explore how Mortimer’s Warehouse might be transformed and used in the future. This work is being funded through a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and is supported by Driffield Town Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

The group’s aspiration is to transform the building in ways that celebrate its links to the canal and the town’s wider history; respect its historic character; and create a place that benefits local people and visitors to the town.

The group is currently looking for people who are enthusiastic and would like to get involved in helping to take this project to the next stage. Through the National Lottery Heritage Fund grant, the group has already done preliminary work to scope out how Mortimer’s Warehouse could be utilised and operated in the future. More, however, needs to be done to take the project forward.

If you are interested in helping to transform Mortimer’s Warehouse, Driffield Town Council is hosting drop-in sessions for people who would like to find out more about the project.

The drop-in sessions will take place on Thursday 22 August from 2pm to 4:30pm and then from 6pm to 8pm at the Driffeld Town Council offices.

This is a great opportunity to get involved in a heritage project that could deliver real benefits to the town. Here is what members of the working group have said about their experience in the project so far:

“This is the most exciting opportunity that Driffield Town Council has ever been involved with.  The Mortimer’s Heritage Project is our last chance to provide a truly special asset for Driffield and the area”.

“It is so rewarding to work with such a range of knowledgeable and dedicated committee members”.

“Being involved in this project has enabled me to learn much more about valuing and caring for historic buildings and the importance of sensitive and responsible conservation”.

For more information, please contact:

Claire Binnington

Driffield Town Clerk

townclerk@driffieldtowncouncil.gov.uk

01377 254160

Annabel Hanson

Waterways Partnership Coordinator

annabel.hanson@eastriding.gov.uk

01482 391678

For general information about the project, please visit our website:

https://driffieldtowncouncil.gov.uk/mortimers-heritage-project/