Vandals strike at Jarrow Hall's Anglo-Saxon Village as tourist attraction remains closed during coronavirus lockdown

The damage at the Church Bank tourist attraction happened overnight between Tuesday, May 26 and Wednesday, May 27. Trespassers entered the Grubenhaus, a reconstructed Anglo-Saxon store for cold food, and made holes in a thatched roof.

Damage was also caused to a clay kiln used to make glass and Thirlings Hall, the replica meeting place.

Jarrow Hall is currently closed to the public due to coronavirus, but work has been going on to make sure it can open when rules allow.

Jarrow Hall is managed by Groundwork South and North Tyneside, whose chief executive Andrew Watts said: “This is a really difficult time for everyone, especially small independent heritage venues.

“We are disappointed that this has happened to our site that is loved by so many and has a dedicated group of volunteers that over the last three years have worked so hard to improve the area for all.

“The show of support from the community has been heart warming and this great community spirit is shown in the enthusiasm we have seen for our Threads That Bind Us Community Tapestry.

“We have set up a Just Giving page which you can find on our social media pages to support the repairs to the Anglo-Saxon Village and would be grateful if you could spare a few pounds to support us.

“We will also be setting up some volunteering days with small numbers once it is safe to do so.”

Groundwork says it will press charges once the culprits are caught.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson added: “Yesterday (Wednesday, May 27) we received a report of criminal damage to a building at Jarrow Hall, South Tyneside.

“It was reported that offenders had entered the site overnight and caused considerable damage to a reconstruction building at the premises.

“An investigation has been launched into the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact us via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website quoting log 327 270520.”

A JustGiving page has been set up to pay for repairs with a target figure of £5,000. You can donate here.

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