Maidstone, Kent -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/27/2012 -- An ancient 800-year-old wine shop in Wye is set to reopen, due to the ambitious designs of owner Patrick Keegan. Located in Upper Bridge Street, the medieval undercroft is believed to have been a store stocking wine imported from Bordeaux, France in the late 13th Century. Restoration works have been under way for the past 18 months, to open the grade 2, listed cellar to the public. Evo Promotions Managing Director Georgina Smith commented, calling it an “an interesting project and a great example of how determination and focus can really achieve great things.”

Planning agent Catherine Hughes said, “It was in reasonably good condition considering it was under a garden for so many years. There are lots of undercrofts in Winchelsea so it’s not unique but it’s certainly the oldest secular building in Wye.”

The undercroft was not discovered to have been a wine cellar, until the architect Ptolemy Dean, discovered broken bricks at the foot of the entrance steps in late October. Canterbury Archaeological Trust later confirmed that the damaged brickwork was the result of huge barrels being rolled down the steps. Stonemasons have already restored the ceiling of the vaulted chamber, using chalk sourced from nearby Crundale.

“It’s a really great discovery,” said Georgina Smith from Evo Promotions.

The scheme has gained support and funding from English Heritage, the Sustainable Development Fund, Wye Historical Society and Wye Parish Council.

Architect Ptolemy Dean, who grew up in Wye, said, “The undercroft is a rare and important survival, particularly in the context of the history of Wye overall. While there are numerous timber framed houses in the village, Wye’s historic importance from the Middle Ages can be appreciated particularly in the quality of its surviving stone structures, notably the former Wye College and the parish church.”

Ashford Borough Council is expected to make a decision on the plans by March 19. Evo Promotions were positive about the results, adding that there has been a lot of support for the project, not just from official sources, but from the general public and local business as well.

http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kentonline/news/2012/february/8/wine_shop_set_to_open_in_wye.aspx