Temple of Vaccinia reopens after restoration at historic site
Dr Jenner’s former home welcomes visitors again with new upgrades
The Temple of Vaccinia at Dr Jenner’s House and Garden in Berkeley is set to welcome visitors once more this weekend, following extensive restoration work.
The historic site is famed for being the location where Edward Jenner, the father of immunology, administered the first-ever smallpox vaccinations, 230 years ago.
Facing years of financial uncertainty, the site was added to Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register last November.
However, a £221,508 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund has allowed for crucial repairs, including structural damage restoration, rethatching of the roof, and the reinstatement of historical bark decorations within the hut.
New lighting, sound, and projection equipment have been installed to enhance visitor experience, as well as ensuring safe and level access with a repaired stone floor.
Temple's Significance and Future Plans
Located at The Chantry, Jenner’s former home, Dr Jenner’s House museum also features the Physic Garden and the Old Cyder House. As part of the renovation efforts, the “Re-Jenner-ation” programme aims to further restore the site, improve access, renew interpretation, extend learning opportunities, and bolster sustainability ahead of a global celebration in 2030 marking 50 years since the eradication of smallpox.
A notable upgrade will see the Old Cyder House repurposed as the Sasakawa Conference Centre, enhancing science education and commercial prospects for the museum.
Free Vaccination Legacy
The Temple of Vaccinia, once a garden folly, demonstrates Jenner's commitment to public health by providing free vaccinations to local individuals. Jenner's pioneering work led to the global eradication of smallpox by 1980, leaving an enduring legacy for immunology.
James Rodliff, director of Dr Jenner’s House, emphasised the temple's global significance and impact on public health, stating that its restoration allows visitors to understand Jenner's contributions from a historic vantage point.
He said: "The Temple of Vaccinia is an unassuming building with a story of global significance: what happened here changed the course of public health
“Restoring it means visitors can stand in the place where Jenner chose to offer vaccination freely to his community and understand how an idea from Berkeley helped protect people around the world.”
"The museum has launched a new patron scheme to help fund its plans and the museum’s educational and cultural work.
“Dr Jenner’s House has been kept alive for 40 years by the dedication of volunteers, trustees, staff, supporters and the local community,” Rodliff said. “We now have an opportunity to build on that passion and secure the site for future generations. The restored temple shows what is possible when people come together behind this extraordinary story.”
Preserving the site has been a collective effort spanning four decades, involving volunteers, trustees, staff, supporters, and the community at large. The museum has launched a patron scheme to further support its educational and cultural initiatives.