Campaigners are seeking private philanthropy to fund the full conservation of William Blake's cottage in Felpham, West Sussex. The Blake Cottage Trust, which has been working for two years to save the property, states that much of the cottage's fabric still requires conservation before it can open to the public.
The cottage, where Blake and his wife Catherine lived from 1800 to 1803, is one of only two of his nine addresses that survive, and the only one that could potentially open to the public. In 2024, the roof was near collapse and the cottage was on Historic England’s at-risk register. Artisans have since rebuilt the roof and removed a Victorian extension, returning the cottage to its original form, with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and other foundations.
The Trust's ambition extends to opening an arts and education centre near the cottage, aiming for year-round appeal for the local community and visitors, and to honour Catherine Blake. The bicentenary of Blake's death is approaching in 2027.
Separately, The Elmet Trust saved Ted Hughes's birthplace in Mytholmroyd, West Yorkshire, 20 years ago, opening it as a holiday cottage or writer's retreat. The National Trust owns Allan Bank in Grasmere, where William Wordsworth lived briefly. Rydal Mount, Wordsworth's favourite home, was acquired by the Wordsworth Trust in March, with plans to re-engage visitors.