Perches House, a beautiful Elizabethan-era building in Shrewsbury, held a secret within its timber frame – a fleeting moment of cinematic fame. It briefly appeared as Scrooge’s office in the beloved 1984 film, ‘A Christmas Carol,’ instantly drawing a stream of visitors eager to connect with the magic of the movie.
But behind the admiring glances and posed photographs, the house was quietly crumbling. It was in desperate need of repair, a burden Rose Richards willingly took on. From the age of 37, she dedicated her life to restoring the historic property, meticulously managing the entire project herself.
“Mum was a lover of old things,” her daughter, Jessica, remembers. “She saw herself as a custodian of the house. It wasn’t just a building; it was an extension of herself, almost the same person.” Rose poured her heart and soul into preserving a piece of the past.
Jessica continued her mother’s work, running a local arts and crafts business from the cherished building. Then, on a cold January morning, disaster struck. A devastating fire erupted, tearing through the timber-framed structure on Castle Street.
Awakened by her partner, Jessica witnessed a horrifying scene. Her mother’s window had exploded, spewing black smoke as flames engulfed the roof. The sheer terror of the moment overwhelmed her, and she briefly lost consciousness, helpless to intervene.
The damage was catastrophic. The roof was completely destroyed, the grand oak staircase reduced to ashes, and the upper floors soaked and unstable, threatening imminent collapse. Perches House, Rose’s life’s work, was on the brink of ruin.
Now, Jessica is driven by a single, powerful purpose: to rebuild Perches House and honor her mother’s legacy. “I cannot bring Mum back,” she states with unwavering determination, “But I can and I will bring the house back for her.”
The immediate priority is preventing total collapse. Scaffolding currently provides temporary support, but a substantial, protective structure is needed to shield the house from the elements before restoration can begin. This critical phase alone requires £100,000.
The entire project is estimated to cost as much as £500,000, a daunting sum made even more challenging by the fact that the house was uninsured due to circumstances beyond Rose’s control. Time is of the essence, and Jessica has turned to crowdfunding for immediate support.
The response has been overwhelming. Over 900 people have already contributed, raising nearly £30,000, and a fundraising concert is planned for next month. The outpouring of support is a testament to the impact Rose had on her community.
“The reaction has been absolutely amazing,” Jessica says, her voice filled with emotion. “It’s such a pity she wasn’t here to hear all these wonderful comments. She was a truly wonderful person, but she never fully recognized it herself.”
Jessica’s fight to save Perches House is more than just a restoration project; it’s a daughter’s tribute to a mother’s unwavering dedication and a passionate commitment to preserving a piece of history.
