This Old House And Portions Of It Were Built About 500 Years Ago Goes Hightech
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One of Richmond's oldest homes is undergoing a complete renovation.
Newly installed solar panels provide all the electrical needs of a 16th-century home in Richmond, England that was relocated and rebuilt in the 1920s.
“At first people think it’s weird: why do we need this modern technology?” Ann Kenny-Urban, Executive Director of Edgecroft Hall and Gardens at Windsor Farms. “But this is in line with the principles of the 16th century… in the 16th century you cannot spend your wealth. Everything had to be used.
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“This is a 21st century example of how you use your wealth. We have 23 acres of land, we have sunshine. This is the perfect place to work with solar energy.”
There is also the issue of cost savings. Forecasting annual increases in utility prices over the next few decades prompted Agecroft officials to invest in solar power. Kenny-Urban Edgecroft declined to say how much it would spend on the project, but officials said they expected the investment to break even in five to six years from the savings.
Kenny-Urban believes Agecroft is a rare cultural institution that has "rebooted" electricity with solar power. Agecroft is connected to the grid for two reasons: if the solar panels don't produce enough electricity, such as on cloudy days, it can sell it to Dominion Energy using a conventional energy source. It generates energy.
Sunrise "was a big decision for us," he said, and not just as a short-term decision. “We are not just trying to survive this year. We have long aspired to be a cultural institution in Richmond.
Edgecroft Hall and Gardens chief executive Ann Kenny-Urban poses for a portrait with newly installed solar panels at Edgecroft Hall and Gardens in Richmond on Friday.
The solar panels, which will start operating in February, are located between the main house and the greenhouse and are mostly shaded by trees, including newly planted evergreens. You can see them from the balcony of the house.
“We don’t want to hide it completely, because we believe that this is an important part of history and an opportunity to talk with children not only about history, but also about science.”
A solar panel will light up Edgecroft Hall and Richmond Gardens on Friday.
In addition to installing solar panels, Agecroft has recently restored the James River walkways, so the area could become an official talking point on future Agecroft tours.
“We like to put things together,” he said.
Kenny Urban
Edgecroft was empty and subdivided when Richmond businessman T.C. Williams and his wife Elizabeth bought the house and planned to move it to Virginia. The most intact parts of the palace were dismantled and washed ashore in the Atlantic Ocean. Williams moved into the rebuilt Edgecroft in December 1927.
Landscape architect Charles Gillette designed the gardens surrounding the house, which became a public museum in 1969. Agecroft is open year-round except Mondays and hosts a number of events, including the annual Open Air Shakespeare Festival. back lawn
Agecroft Hall and Gardens is a 16th century manor built in England, demolished and rebuilt in Richmond in 1926.
Kenny-Urban said the energy bill savings would allow Edgecroft to "put that money into our most important resource, our people" as well as programs.
“So this is a financial victory for us in our mission to use resources efficiently and protect the environment,” he said. "We won't find a winner."
From the archives: Richmond shops and antique dealers.
02/05/1976 (live): Changes in the neighborhood affect Carter's store: business is down, the future is uncertain.
02/05/1976 (dashed line): Just a visit --- The two antique stools in Carter's shop are often occupied by visiting neighbors such as Mrs. Pearl Lett (seated, left), Mrs. Edna Carter (also seated), and (left)) Mrs. Floyd Carter Humphrey , Miss Louise Carter and Mrs Mary Ford, employee.
In the year 12/27/1971 (line of control): Many buyers trade in the annual post-Christmas sale.
In the year 22-22-1967: Richmond residents wait for their local store to open. There are queues outside waiting for the sale.
02/24/1970: Richmond shoppers flock to local stores to find great deals during George Washington's birthday sales.
In the year 12/7/1968 (dashed line): Pat Clayton (left) and Bill Greenlove of the West End Jays help troubled youths choose their Christmas presents. Yesterday, 60 kids were invited to shop with Jace at the GC Murphy store at Willow Law Mall. Each child is given $5 to spend as they see fit. The shopping will be followed by a visit from Santa and a party sponsored by Murphy's staff.
1970-11: Buyers explore Woolworths in downtown Richmond.
02/07/1946 (Gateline): OPA Rush to Meet Prices - 125 food stamps issued within 15 minutes of this store opening today in Richmond. Charles M. Butcher. Feitig has big sales in the OPA price range. This store, like everyone else, has announced that it will not raise prices for consumers unless the price it pays wholesalers increases.
12/08/1977 (Cutline): Two downtown stores on East Grace Street are under renovation. Former May Company at Sixth and Grace Streets. The store will be a Normal Pharma Company store and a First & Merchants National Bank branch.
08/12/1977 (Cutline): A closed sale attracted shoppers who crowded the sidewalk near the entrance.
09/28/1946 (Cutline): This crowd outside a grocery store in Richmond is shown on the day of the action.