Lawrence House Museum in Launceston is set to benefit from the extra £10-million of government funding being made available for heritage projects. 

The museum will receive £480,000 as part of the recent devolution deal negotiations between Whitehall and Cornwall Council, but is guaranteed even if the deal does not get ratified. 

Lawrence House is a Georgian house situated in Castle Street , Launceston, which John Betjeman described as “a jewel, a most perfect collection of 18th Century townhouses.”

Owned by the National Trust and managed by the town council, the building had to close in March 2020 due to structural defects and water ingress.

The town council have committed a sum of £180,000 in conjunction with the heritage project grant of £480,000, due to the urgency of the works required and to protect a building of historical importance. This money will also prove vital in delivering an improved visitor experience upon re-opening.

Councillor Leighton Penhale, Mayor of Launceston, said: “I am delighted with the outcome of our town council’s successful grant application which will allow us to further promote the heritage sector within the town.”

The £10-million is split with £3-million going to heritage projects, and £7-million going to housing initiatives.  

Cllr Linda Taylor, leader of Cornwall Council, said: “I am delighted to see this coming before Cabinet for approval. It is great news for Cornwall and will bring real benefits for our residents.  This is a direct result of the negotiations we held with the Government over the proposed Devolution Deal and is a real example of what you can achieve when you have good dialogue and a strong relationship with Westminster. 

“I have to thank our officers for their hard work, not just through the negotiations, but also in their incredibly quick work in identifying projects which could be delivered at pace.  This will help us to provide some of the housing that Cornwall so badly needs and will also protect our unique history for everyone to enjoy.”