heritage laid down in brick

Endowed with a large entrance hall, there is evidence everywhere of the Dutch influence from the time of construction.

Originally there were four bedrooms and very substantial attic rooms.

Project manager Andrew Whitam says the most unusual features are the floors, which needed specialist consultation before it was decided they could be saved.

Investigations also showed that volcanic ash had been imported from the Mediterranean – an indication, he says, of Thorne’s shipping past.

Mr Whitham says he has been cheered by the reaction of visitors to the house on English Heritage open days. He said: ‘’People were unanimously in favour of our approach – regardless of the extraordinary cost.

‘’It has changed the kind of perception in Thorne as to what can be achieved with a derelict building.’’