Future Plans
Unanswered questions and plans for the future
The medieval structure of the Undercroft has been revealed and restored but there are still many questions to be answered, for example…
The Undercroft will initially be opened for short guided visits to allow the history of the site to be understood. In time we hope to involve local wine producers to arrange tasting events and develop a display of items linked to the ancient wine trade. Exhibits will include 225 litre “Barrique” barrels from Bordeaux.
- Who ordered construction of the Undercroft?
- Why did much of the stone come from Caen?
- Is the floral boss simply decorative or a royal symbol?
- Was the cellar an integral part of a house before the Elizabethan building?
- Were there close links with Winchelsea and the Collegiate Church?
- Were the wine merchants agents of Battle Abbey and do they still have relatives in Wye?
- How were the barrels of wine transported?
- What artefacts will be discovered by further excavation?
- Are there other undiscovered medieval cellars in Wye?
The Undercroft will initially be opened for short guided visits to allow the history of the site to be understood. In time we hope to involve local wine producers to arrange tasting events and develop a display of items linked to the ancient wine trade. Exhibits will include 225 litre “Barrique” barrels from Bordeaux.
Barrique Wine Barrels from Bordeaux
Wye Building Preservation Trust (WBPT) has been working closely with Patrick Keegan - the owner of the site - to open the Undercroft to the public. The aim of WBPT is to promote the preservation of buildings around Wye in Kent for the benefit of the public.
WBPT is a registered charity no.1192389
This project is supported by Wye Historical Society.