Can you spot where the new joins the old in the fabric of Bridge Cottage, Uckfield?

The picture below shows the back of the 15th century Grade II listed building and two extensions are visible, writes Cathy Watson.

New look for the back of Bridge Cottage, Uckfield.

You might spot the first floor extension to the left of the picture which overhangs the part of the building that was once a jeweller’s shop and latterly accommodated the Uckfield Lions bookshop.

Below there’s a better view of the overhang from the side.

The new first floor extension of Bridge Cottage, Uckfield, which overhangs what was once a jeweller’s shop and latterly the Uckfield Lions bookshop.

But did you realise, at first glance, that the section beneath the sloping roof is also new? Our picture below is a reminder of how it used to look. This was taken during an archaeological dig before the foundations for a new kitchen area were laid.

An archaeological dig under way at the back of Bridge Cottage, Uckfield, before foundations were dug for an extension.

The roof of Bridge Cottage has been tiled and landscaping is due to begin at the front soon, with foundations being laid for brick planters. New drains will go in too.

Roof tiling complete at Bridge Cottage. Landscaping of the front area is due to begin soon.

The building emerged from hoardings last month and our picture below gives a better view of the extension from the front.

The first floor extension of Bridge Cottage, with a new door at that end of the building.

Inside the property the biggest transformation has been the removal of the second floor to create a 17th century hall chamber with a view of rafters rising six metres above the floor.

Rafters seen from a newly created hall chamber within Bridge Cottage.

The area, with restored king post and woodwork, is described as the jewel in the crown of the building, showing off its original splendour.

See below an artist’s impression of the completed hall.

An artist’s impression of the completed hall on the first floor of Bridge Cottage, Uckfield.

Electricity has been connected to the building and the ground source heat pump is due to be fired up to to power underfloor heating.

Once that is working lime plastering can start to dry out allowing lime wash colouring to be applied to the walls.

A brick-paver floor is being re-laid inside the building, new fire doors are in place, cupboards have been created and lights fitted.

Brick pavers are being re-laid within Bridge Cottage.

Murals created by schoolchildren came down with the wooden hoarding and while two panels have been returned to schools parts of others will be retained for display in a collage within the Heritage Hub.

Refurbishment of the cottage is scheduled for completion early in the New Year.

One of the new fire doors within Bridge Cottage.

The Grade II listed building is due to become an historic meeting place available to the whole community for present and future generations to enjoy.

Uckfield and District Preservation Society is planning to provide a range of heritage activities and means of interpretation to enable all sectors of the growing town to understand and appreciate their heritage.

These will include educational programmes at all levels, hands-on heritage activities for all ages, local history and craft events and the creation of a heritage hub for historical research.

The building will also be registered for civil ceremonies allowing weddings to be held in a local heritage setting.

See also:

Uckfield Town Council cuts 2016/17 spending plans by £73,000

Making the entente even more cordiale with Uckfield’s French twin town

Food review: A traditional country pub – the Foresters Arms, Fairwarp

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