Repairs to 300-year-old building to begin

Work to repair one of Frome’s most historic buildings is set to begin after a fundraising appeal raised more than £50,000 towards the project.

The Blue House, a Grade I-listed building on The Bridge, has been providing affordable accommodation for the town’s elderly men and women since 1480. The current building was renovated in 1728 and is the third building on the site.

Last year, the trustees launched a tricentenary fundraiser to raise £500,000 to cover structural repairs, including work on the windows, external stonework and roof.

With £53,924 already raised, they are due to start phase one of the works in October, which will focus on work above the gutter line, including the roof and flats at the top of the building.

Blue House Manager David Hoare said, “Rather than trying to wait until we have got all of the funds, which could take us years, we will make a start with what we have got and start the works.

“The hope is then as we progress over time, we will be making more money and can complete the other works in phases.”

Alongside Rook Lane Chapel, The Blue House is one of only two Grade I-listed buildings in Frome.

David said, “The original building was built and funded by the people of Frome. What we are doing now is we are appealing to Frome to support a charity that has been running for hundreds of years.

“We are here for elderly people who have fallen on hard times and provide accommodation for those in need.”

The trustees have also been working to raise awareness of the Blue House, including opening its grounds on the first Sunday of each month during Frome Independent Market.

More than 800 people visited during the most recent opening, raising more than £1,000.

David said the charity had also been giving talks to community groups and was working with Frome Museum and local schools to help people learn more about the history of the building and almshouses.

“When we first started this, everybody knew of the Blue House but nobody really knew what we did,” he said.

“Everybody walked by the building but since doing more engagement, people of the town are really getting on board with what we do and get a better understanding. They are being really supportive.”

The Blue House does not receive funding from councils or the government and relies on fundraising, donations and contributions from its residents to support its work.

People can help reach the fundraising target by visiting https://justgiving.com/page/thebluehousefrome