Help us save William Blake’s cottage
Blake's Cottage is in urgent need of repair
Blake's Cottage, in the village of Felpham on the West Sussex coast, is one of the most important buildings in English literary history, but this key part of our national heritage is in real danger of being lost forever. The poet, writer, artist, printer and visionary William Blake lived here, with his wife Catherine, when he wrote the poem that provides the words for the much-loved anthem: Jerusalem.
The Blake Cottage Trust is working to save this listed building and create a centre celebrating William & Catherine Blake
A new board of trustees was appointed in early 2024 to take the project forward. Our plan has three stages:
FIRST replace the dilapidated thatched roof and secure the fabric of the building.
SECOND restore the cottage and garden to what it would have been like in Blake's time.
THIRD create an arts and educational centre in a new building within the grounds. It will be the only centre dedicated to the Blakes' lives, work and legacy.
The trust is working hard to secure grants and donations to make this possible and create a beautiful and inspirational location that celebrates the lives and works of William and Catherine and their enduring influence.
Securing the cottage for the nation and for future generations
Any donation will be put to immediate use to restore Blake's Cottage and then to realise our long-term vision. You can give by clicking on the button below or contact the Trust directly.
Thank you!
You can help save William Blake’s Cottage
Let us know your views on the future of the Cottage
We are canvassing views to help us shape the cottage restoration project and our longer term plan to establish an internationally important Blake centre. We are particularly interested in the ideas of people from the local community in Felpham and the wider Bognor area, but we also want to hear from the worldwide community of Blake admirers and enthusiasts. You can take part in the survey by clicking on the button below. The survey is designed to be anonymous but if you want to give us your name please do. You can also get involved by signing up for our newsletter and emails from us about important developments.
Achieving our goals
The immediate need is for the funds to replace the thatched roof and restore the structural integrity of the building. The cost estimate for this is £125,000. In the longer term we need to raise up to £3 million to realise the vision of a vibrant Blake Centre open to everyone.
