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Welcome to the website of the Poundstock Gildhouse, where you will find news and
pictures relating to the restoration of and events at our church
house, even a timeline! |
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The unique structure was built between the 15th and 16th centuries by skilled craftsmen using traditional techniques and materials such as cob, local stone and slate. In the beginning the ground floor probably comprised a kitchen, bakehouse and brewhouse, a meeting place and a store room, while the first floor was an open feasting hall where the 'Church ales' would have been held. Church ales were celebrations held within the church calendar, particularly at Whitsuntide and May Day when ales were brewed and sold in order to raise funds for the Church or for good causes in the parish. With the growth of Puritanism in the late 17th century drinking was seen as sinful, church ales were considered to be nothing but drunken disorders and were suppressed. Church houses were gradually abandoned, demolished or put to other uses. Poundstock Gildhouse, by the late 18th century had been divided up to become a poorhouse and schoolroom and in 1907 there was a large scale refurbishment and it was turned into Parish meeting rooms as a place for year round activities, exhibitions and celebrations. | |
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In one corner of the ground floor there is a completely preserved little stable where the Schoolmistress used to keep her pony. Currently the building is showing its age, both structurally and in terms of its facilities. A considerable amount of restoration work is needed to make the building sound and update the facilities and access to the required standard. |
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©
Poundstock Gildhouse 2007
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