A BUSINESS in Chard wants to promote one of the oldest buildings in the town and contacted the News this week to make the case.

David and Wendy Briggs of Tex-Style Fabrics wrote in to highlight the plight of the Manor Court House in Fore Street on Wednesday, August 18.

The Grade One listed building is tucked away down an alleyway in Fore Street alongside their business and its impressive flint stonework often surprises visitors to the store.

While real estate firm Bradley Management were keen to stress they do care for the building in last week’s paper, Mr Briggs does not feel enough is being done.

Mr Briggs said: “Not one in one thousand know about it – people just don't realise they have got this gem in the town. It should be on Griff Rhys Jones’ Restoration programme.”

The building is arguably the most important historically in Chard as King Charles I allegedly signed a declaration of peace during the Civil War in the court room.

Roger Carter of Chard History Group, used to conduct around two tours of the building a year. Mr Carter said: “I haven’t taken a tour this year – it can be difficult to get permission.

“The site is of national importance – it has one of the oldest moulded ceilings in the country and in terms of its quality it is probably the best. People are always thrilled to see it – every time.”

DO you have any ideas for what can be done to promote the historic Tudor House in Fore Street? Leave your comments on the story below.