Lovers of Jane Austen’s house and gardens Museum in Chawton are getting behind a ‘Sponsor a Roof Tile’ campaign that calls for 30,000 handmade clay roof tiles to be replaced at the popular museum – without disturbing the rare bats in residence.
A fundraising appeal to restore its historic roof is under way, giving the public the opportunity to help secure the house for the future. Last renovated in 1948, its roof is in need of repairs and the museum is asking for individuals to sponsor a roof tile, at £15 each or whatever they can personally afford. A special Roof Donations Register containing the names of donors or their nominees will be held in the Museum’s archive.
Dr Mary Guyatt, director of Jane Austen’s House Museum said, “We are appealing to generous members of the public to help preserve the house where Jane Austen lived and wrote. By sponsoring a roof tile, each donor becomes a part of Jane’s legacy.”
To make a donation or to sponsor a tile in someone else’s name, visit
www.justgiving.com/campaign/roof-tiles
