The Retreat outlines Quaker heritage plans
'The developed site will include a heritage trail around the perimeters of the grounds.'
The Retreat has outlined its heritage plans for the Heslington Road site as the final stages of the planning approvals process approaches. The site was put up for sale in late 2022 with Friends expressing an interest in how its Quaker heritage can be preserved. The board of the Retreat set up a heritage group to consider the issue as the sale to developers PJ Livesey moved forward.
The developed site will include a heritage trail around the perimeters of the grounds. A recreation hall will also be retained as a meeting place for local communities. The internal structure will be preserved as well as paintings and artefacts, ‘where practical’.
In a letter seen by the Friend, David Robson, clerk to the board of The Retreat, said, as a commitment to the site’s nearly-300 years of Quaker heritage, ‘we have sought to have PJ Livesey, the property developer, to commit to provide public access to the site by way of a heritage trail around the perimeter of the grounds that will signpost history as it charts the beginnings of the site and its evolution as a Mental Health Hospital. In addition, we hope that the Recreation Hall will be retained as a meeting place for the communities of the residents and Quaker/local community groups to enjoy as a leisure space and for events upon request and booking. The integrity of the internal fabric will be preserved by keeping in situ the historic paintings as well as other artefacts where practical.’
The board has also decided that several artefacts are to be loaned to Wakefield NHS Museum of Mental Health, highlighting the story of William Tuke and the birth and influence of The Retreat. The remaining records, documents and related Retreat literature will be passed to the Borthwick archives, part of the University of York. Artefacts that have not been housed will go to auction in ‘the near future’, with proceeds going to Quaker-suitable charities.
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