THE keys to Corsham's historic almshouses were handed over to Lord Methuen and the trustees at a ceremony marking the end of restoration work on Monday.

The Grade I-listed school and almshouses, bestowed on the town by Lady Margaret Hungerford in the 17th century, have finally been restored to their former glory. New tenants are due to move in later this week.

Patron and trustee Lord Methuen received the keys from contractors Stansell.

"It has been a long and somewhat traumatic project," he said.

He thanked all the professionals involved in the restoration.

"We are now blessed with a magnificent set of buildings for which all concerned can take great credit."

The restoration project nearly floundered when the removal of the roof revealed serious structural problems, and the landmark building was shrouded in sheets of plastic for 18 months while trustees considered the best course of action.

A new clerk, Dick Tonge, was appointed and he got to work unravelling the hold-up in the project.

Lord Methuen described Coun Tonge's role as exemplary and thanked him for all he had done for the almshouses.

Fellow trustee Coun Christine Reid said: "Dick Tonge and the new quantity surveyor moved the project forward. The renovation would not have happened if it wasn't for the work Dick did. He contributed a quite extraordinary amount of hard work."

Site manager Nigel Towells was present at the handing over ceremony, after 46 weeks working on the almshouses.

Mr Towells, who has worked on many historic buildings, including cathedrals and Buckingham Palace, supervised the painstaking restoration.

"It was very dilapidated when we started," he said. "We built in new kitchens and bathrooms, and completely redecorated using lime plasters."

He worked with a team of 15 to 20 craftsmen, many locally based.

"I am very pleased with how it has all come together," he said.

"It was a pleasure to work on, because of the sense of teamwork amongst the people on site."

The Rev Roger Clifton said a blessing in the school hall, with thanks for the completion of the project and good wishes for future residents.

"I am absolutely thrilled," said trustee Anne Aust, after the ceremony.

"The buildings are historically important for Corsham and also for the country as a whole."

The almshouses have changed little since they were built in 1660.

They have accommodation for ten single people.

In each house, a low front door leads into a kitchen, with a sitting room beyond, complete with the original 17th century oak dresser and a huge fireplace.

A winding wooden staircase leads to a bedroom and bathroom on the first floor.

The schoolmaster's house has been converted into a home for a couple.

Tenants must be local, or have a local connection to live in the unique rented accommodation.

The almshouses will also be a significant tourist attraction in Corsham.

The schoolroom will be open to the public and available for functions and events.

Rooms off the schoolroom will be used as a small museum.

It will be of particular interest to school parties and others interested in the history of education, as well as for its architectural distinction.

The restoration has also included essential conservation work to the schoolroom with its original gallery, oak seating and master's pulpit.

Funding for the work on this Grade 1 Listed building, described by English Heritage as one of the most important non-restored buildings in the South West, was raised from the Heritage Lottery Fund, English Heritage and North Wiltshire District Council, with significant contributions from the Almshouses Association, other charities and local people.

Lord Methuen told trustees and Stansell representatives in the former school hall how the buildings had been familiar to him for 70 years - in his childhood he used to deliver five shillings a week to an old lady who lived in the almshouses.