“Bletchley Park played a fundamental role in the Allies winning the Second World War and is of great importance to the history of Europe,” explained Dr Simon Thurley, Chief Executive of English Heritage.
“English Heritage is committed to saving this fascinating group of buildings so that future generations can understand something of the enormous human endeavour which went on there.”
The rooms of the mansion, embellished with decorative plasterwork, painted ceilings timber panelling and fireplaces, are all at high risk of irrepairable damage from water seeping through the roofs, but work is to begin soon and is expected to finish by the end of March 2009.
Simon Greenish, Director of Bletchley Park Trust, said: “This investment will not only ensure that the structure and fabric of the iconic Bletchley Park Mansion are preserved but it marks the start of a regeneration initiative on behalf of the Bletchley Park Trust to transform Bletchley Park into a world class heritage and education centre.”
The wartime huts where much of the essential wartime codebreaking took place are also likely to be repaired and restored. English Heritage is in discussions with the Bletchley Park Trust and Milton Keynes Borough Council over a conservation partnership scheme that could see a further £300,000 offered by the partners.
