The 18th century Grade II* Gothic Folly was constructed in the grounds of Wimpole Hall as part of the landscape designed by Capability Brown. The condition of the folly had progressively deteriorated over many years leading to the building becoming so fragile that a significant restoration project was required. The structure had undergone repairs in 1980 but had deteriorated further, such that major works were required to safeguard it.
The National Trust led a project to carry out the conservation work which lasted for approximately one year. Wide ranging repairs were needed to many elements of the building including the walls of the folly and tower, conservation of external masonry and stonework, structural repairs to the internal tower floors as well as other works to reinstate the integrity of the structure and architecture.
Structural work involved the restoration of the main tower by strengthening the existing intermediate timber floors and providing a new tower roof, including the reinstatement of machicolations and crenellations. Areas of unstable masonry were carefully dismantled, and recovered stones incorporated into the rebuilt sections.
The restoration was among the winners of the 2016 European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards, Europe’s highest honour in the heritage field. The judges commented: ‘This is an extraordinary example of a restoration of an iconic ruin which has served as an example for the construction of similar structures in Europe.”