Bid To Save Historic Residence Fails

The community campaign to save Tymperleys, built in 1450, the historic residence of Sir William Gilberd, royal physician to Queen Elizabeth 1st, and 15th century scientist regarded as the ‘Father of Electricity’ and the ‘World’s First Scientist’, has failed. Colchester Council has decided to lease the building to a local jam factory for use as a tea room.

The Tymperleys Community Project bid had aimed to create an innovative science museum, a sustainable public educational scientific resource which would celebrate Gilberd’s life and work keeping the building open to the public. Scientific and academic interest has been generated around the world in the project and leading British historians have also shown their support for saving Tymperleys.

Chris Gilberd, a descendent of Sir William Gilberd who lives in the earthquake ravaged Canterbury region of New Zealand and has been supporting the Project is appalled that while much public debate goes on in New Zealand about the significant loss of historic buildings that Colchester Council can lease out as a tea room a 450 year old building that has been described as ‘the cradle of scientific revolution’. “I am appalled that Colchester Council has betrayed the public trust and leased off Tymperleys, a property bequeathed to the people of Colchester for a cup of tea and a sticky bun”.

Colchester philanthropist Bernard Mason bequeathed Tymperleys to the town of Colchester in 1969 and the building had been used for many years as a museum displaying his collection of antique clocks, also donated to the people.

“What really upsets me” said Mr Gilberd, “is that the Council obviously had no intention of seriously considering the Tymperleys Community Project bid as no discussions were entered into and not one question was asked about the bid. The Council should bow their heads in shame abandoning historical heritage for a short term financial gain”.

ENDS

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