Cash boost to keep birthplace of fictional hero Tristram Shandy as right as rain

SITTING on the edge of the North York Moors, a remarkable timber-framed house has been a place of pilgrimage for fans of a ground-breaking literary work dating from the 18th century.

The historic property in the North Yorkshire village of Coxwold is best known as the home of author Laurence Sterne, who wrote the now classic experimental novel The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman while living there.

Sterne, who was the vicar of Coxwold for eight years up until his death in 1768, renamed his house Shandy Hall after his fictional hero's ancestral home.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It has since attracted legions of fans who flocked there after his death.

Now, the future of Shandy Hall looks more secure after English Heritage yesterday pledged to invest 36,000 to prevent rainwater damaging the precious interior of the 15th century building.

Concerns had been growing that three rare wall paintings, including one of a Tudor soldier bearing an uncanny resemblance to Henry VIII, could be damaged by damp in the property.

A historic buildings architect with English Heritage, Hilary Roome, said: "In its own right, this kind of building is a rare survival for its age, but together with these rare paintings and the Laurence Sterne connection it is one of North Yorkshire's great historic gems.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Leaking roofs can quickly lead to the decay of fragile historic interiors, so this work is vital to the nip the problem in the bud and ensure that future generations can marvel at this wonderful place, with its very rare paintings, which is so closely associated with such a beloved author and fictional character."

The project will repair roofing and also help pay for consolidation work to the soldier portrait and the two other paintings. Work will be undertaken by the building's owner, the Laurence Sterne Trust, and will start shortly.

The painting of the Tudor soldier is thought to date from about 1520 and was discovered behind 18th century panelling in one of the bedrooms during renovations in the 1960s.