ONE of the town’s most historic buildings has been reopened to the public more than three-and-a-half years after it was shut by Colchester Council.

Tymperleys, a listed 15th Century building which was once the home of famous Colcestrian William Gilberd, has been opened by the Charrington family as a cafe and tearoom and venue.

The former clock museum, bequeathed to the borough by philanthropist Bernard Mason, was shut by the council in October 2010 to save money.

The Charringtons, who run Layer Marney Tower, paid £310,000 for a 125-year lease and have spent the last four months restoring the building.

Manager Alice Charrington said the gardens and first floor were opened to the public as a tearoom for the first time on Thursday as part of a soft launch.

See Monday's Gazette for more.