The remarkable tale of a woman who relocated her centuries-old residence brick by brick over 100 miles to the coast is set to hit the big screen.
May Savidge embarked on an ambitious DIY endeavor when her cherished abode, Ware Hall in Ware, Hertfordshire, dating back to around 1450, faced the threat of demolition. In 1969, authorities aimed to clear the way for a new roundabout, prompting May, then 58, to resist the destruction by meticulously dismantling the Elizabethan structure and transferring it to a new location in Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, which she had acquired.
With meticulous planning akin to a massive puzzle, May, who had an engineering background, meticulously labeled and transported the 15th-century house in 11 truck journeys to Norfolk, where she resided in a caravan with her loyal dog. “I refuse to witness the demolition of such a splendid ancient abode,” May declared during her endeavor, demonstrating her unwavering determination.
Following the completion of the relocation project, May, around 67 years old, resided in the partially reconstructed home, receiving support from strangers who were inspired by her resilience. Upon her passing in 1993, May bequeathed the unfinished property to her niece, Christine Adams, who dedicated 15 years to restoring the house, honoring her aunt’s legacy. The captivating account of May Savidge’s preservation efforts is now being transformed into a film by director Gillies MacKinnon, based on the book chronicling her courageous feat.
May Savidge’s historic home, salvaged from the brink of destruction, stands as a testament to her tenacity and the enduring legacy she left behind for her family to fulfill.
