Last updated at 16:52, Monday, 07 January 2013

THE historic birthplace of one of Ulverston’s most famous figures is set for major repair work over the next year.

Sir John Barrow Cottage, in Dragley Beck, is in line for more than £13,000 worth of repair and maintenance work as part of phase two of its restoration.

Jobs due to be carried out on the building range from minor to structural work.

The cottage was the birthplace of Sir John Barrow and now lies in the hands of Heritage First.

The building has suffered damage over time and much of the work aims to repair loose slates and damaged walls or replace rotten rafters.

A report to councillors ahead of today’s Ulverston town council meeting outlines a number of repair works recommended for the building.

Town clerk David Parratt said council money had already been allocated for the cottage’s upkeep and the report is designed to keep members updated on the restoration process.

He added: “Sir John Barrow Cottage is one of our heritage assets.”

He said the building needed maintaining and a condition survey had been carried out to identify what work needed doing.

A list of 20 jobs has been compiled, with the suggested work coming in at an estimated cost of £13,100.

The Grade-II listed building, which opens occasionally to the public, is likely to undergo further restoration in the future, although the timing of the work will depend on the availability of funding.

Mr Parratt said phase three of the restoration will take place in due course, saying he expected it to be in “the next five years”.

Sir John Barrow was a famous naval administrator, born in Ulverston on June 19, 1764.

The cottage has been maintained in honour of his significance to the town.

The Sir John Barrow Monument, also known as the Hoad monument, also stands in tribute to the explorer.

The monument underwent a £1.1m restoration in recent years, reopening to the public in August 2010.

First published at 16:29, Monday, 07 January 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk