This is the place where Blake wrote the words to "Jerusalem," a poem later turned into a famous hymn.  Doug, a writer and poet himself, has been leading efforts since at least January 2024 to save the cottage from falling apart and turn it into a museum and creative hub by 2027, marking 200 years since Blake’s death.

The cottage was in rough shape when the Trust bought it in 2015—its thatched roof was collapsing, rafters were rotting, and walls were crumbling. Nicholls has been vocal about its importance, calling Blake one of the world’s most influential poets, philosophers, and artists, whose work still inspires people globally.  Under his leadership, the Trust has raised funds, including £55,000 from the World Monuments Fund Britain and other groups, to start emergency repairs on the roof.  The full restoration could cost millions, with plans to recreate the cottage as it was in Blake’s time and add features like a replica of his printing press or even digital displays.

Doug has also collaborated with high-profile supporters like Bruce Dickinson, the Iron Maiden frontman and a Blake fan, who became the Trust’s patron in May 2024.  Dickinson’s involvement has boosted fundraising through ideas like auctions and concerts.  Doug sees the cottage not just as a relic but as a future space for artists and students, emphasizing its cultural weight and the need to honor both Blake and Catherine’s contributions.  The project’s moving forward, but it’s a race against time and money to get it done.