MP asks English Heritage to intervene to save Withnail cottage

A Lake District MP has called upon English Heritage to save 'Uncle Monty's Cottage' - the setting for the cult comedy film 'Withnail and I' after an original bid to save the cottage fell through.

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has written to the Chief Executive to request English Heritage buy this piece of iconic British cinematic history. The building, otherwise known as Sleddale Hall farmhouse, is currently owned by the water company United Utilities who recently put it up for auction.

The farmhouse still contains many of the original features used during filming and although people are not allowed inside of the building, many fans continue to make the pilgrimage to visit the site

Commenting Mr Farron said:

"Sleddale Hall is both a piece of iconic British cinematic history and also a unique part Cumbria's local heritage.

"For many years English Heritage has worked tirelessly to protect, promote and care for historic sites such as Sleddale Hall. I've therefore written to English Heritage to request that they buy Sleddale Hall and in doing so allow future generations to appreciate its value as part of Cumbria's cultural heritage.

"The cottage has a huge amount of potential and could be transformed into a working museum, with self-catering and maybe a tea room. If English Heritage were to buy the cottage, I'm sure that it will be, in words of Uncle Monty, 'the last island of beauty in the world'."