Max and Val Lunn are restoring the grade 2 star listed Hebblethwaite House in Westgate back to its former glory. Bro Max described the history of the house, the restoration, and the features revealed.

The house is an artisan-mannerist re-build dating to 1682 which some 80 years later came into the possession of James Hebblethwaite, a name that stuck. Bro Max was able to show when and how the property had been redeveloped over time using maps, plans, and features revealed during the restoration.

Some Priory stone walls and reused oak timbers found by Bro Max probably date to the earlier house on the site. Bro Max particularly likes the full suite of St Pancras Iron Works stalls and hardware found in the stables.

The restoration has required new hardwood floors direct from China, 23 sash windows from Poland, carpets from a hotel liquidation sale, and a new safe door purchased on eBay to replace the one removed by HSBC.  All the work required listed building consent.

Locals will remember the house as the Old Town branch of the HSBC bank, which at one time also housed some council offices including the Registry Office.  Bro Max revealed that Woody Woodmansey, the drummer in David Bowie’s band, the Spiders from Mars, was married here.

The Vote of Thanks was given by Chris Gatenby.