Coultershaw Heritage Trust
About Us
Our Vision
To ensure that Coultershaw is a lively heritage hub that actively engages the local community and visitors, physically and educationally, through volunteer-led activity in appropriate spaces, for the enjoyment and well-being of all.
Who We Are
The Coultershaw Heritage Site is operated and maintained by volunteers from the Coultershaw Trust. The Coultershaw Trust was formed in 2002 by the Petworth Society and the Sussex Industrial Archaeology Society. The Trust is a Registered Charity (Number 1096077) with a minimum of three trustees. There are no paid staff. The Annual Accounts are subject to examination by an Independent Examiner. Coultershaw Trust, Station Road, Petworth, West Sussex GU28 0JE. Company (Limited by Guarantee) number 0444064.
The Chair of Trustees, Barry Flannaghan, can be contacted via the contact form.
The Origins
The development of the Coultershaw site began in 1976 when volunteers from the Sussex Industrial Archaeology Society started the restoration of the Beam Pump. This had operated until 1960 and, when the mill was demolished in 1973, the Beam Pump was left under a concrete slab. After nearly five year’s restoration, the pump worked again in 1980. It was officially opened by Lord Egremont on 4 July 1980 and scheduled as an Ancient Monument in the same year. The Sussex Industrial Archaeology Society operated the Beam Pump until 2002, when the Coultershaw Trust was formed to develop the heritage site.
Major redevelopment project
During 2013 and 2014, a major redevelopment took place at the Coultershaw Heritage site. With a major grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, buildings have been restored to allow access for more areas of the site. The Engine House, constructed in 1919, now houses our collection of water pumps which visitors can operate. The Warehouse, with toilets, provides a heated space for learning activities, talks and exhibitions. Around the site new exhibitions will enable visitors to understand the important part that Coultershaw played in the development of Petworth and the surrounding area.
As well as the Heritage Lottery Fund, the trustees are grateful to the following organisations for supporting the redevelopment project: South Downs National Park Authority, West Sussex County Council, Chichester District Council, Charles Hayward Foundation, the AG Manly Charitable Trust, Petworth Society, Petworth Town Council and Sussex Industrial Archaeology Society.
