A CEREMONY to mark the beginning of the restoration work on a 19th century nailer’s cottage took place at a Bromsgrove museum this week.

The work at Avoncroft Museum, in Stoke Heath includes the dismantling of and reassembling of the building.

The project has been funded so far by a £100,000 grant from The Heritage Lottery Fund.

The two-up, two-down brick cottage which has stood in Lickey End for around two centuries will now be moved to the museum as a visitor attraction.

Joyce Rea, one of the cottage’s past inhabitants saw reports that it was being restored and got into contact with the museum.

She recalled her family life, room layouts, the pigs in the garden squealing when the butcher arrived and watching the nail makers working further along the road.

Simon Carter, director of Avoncroft Museum, said: “We are delighted to add the nailer’s cottage to our collection, especially as it reflects such a key part of Bromsgrove’s history and Joyce has been able to give us such wonderful insights into her life in it.”

Bromsgrove was the largest hand-made nailmaking centre in the world with more than 10,300 residents employed in the trade in the 1800s.

The first stage of the reconstruction is to rebuild the outside of the cottage and will take approximately five weeks to complete.

Contributions are needed to complete the second phase of the project which will restore the interior and landscape its gardens.

To donate contact Rachel Shepherd, Development Manager, on 01527 831363 or email development@avoncroft.org.uk.

For more information visit: https://secure.thebiggive.org.uk/charity/view/1654/avoncroft-museum-of-historic-buildings.