A POPULAR National Trust site has had renovation work completed on an 18th century building after it was damaged by burrowing rabbits.

The Long Gallery bookshop, at Hanbury Hall, has recently reopened following restoration work undertaken to repair its stone steps. 

The stone steps have now been repaired following damage caused by rabbits burrowing over time at the site, near Droitwich.

Building conservators James Building Conservation Ltd removed the steps, timberwork landing, joists, and steel beams.

They then added a new concrete beam to support the new stone slabs above.

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The damaged areas of the steps have been replaced, and the internal brickwork walls have been dismantled and rebuilt using bricks and York stone repurposed from other areas of the property.

The repairs were funded by Hanbury Hall supporters.

Caroline Lawrence, visitor operations and experience manager, said : "The Long Gallery bookshop is a much-loved area of Hanbury Hall and it’s a key part of many of our supporters visit.

"These repairs will allow our visitors to enjoy the Long Gallery for years to come and ensure this Grade II listed building is returned to its former glory."

The Long Gallery is located in the formal gardens overlooking the Parterre and was constructed at the same time as the Hall in the early eighteenth century.

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It contained Thomas Vernon’s study, which includes the oldest panelling on site.

The bookshop is an important income generator for Hanbury Hall raising a total of £19,483.97 last year.

Donations made to Hanbury Hall are directly invested back into the site.