Longleat turret needs urgent repair

By Local Democracy Reporter Peter Davison

A turret that forms part of the distinctive roofline of Longleat House is in urgent need of repair.

Conservationists at the Grade I listed mansion house – Wiltshire’s second most-visited tourist attraction after Stonehenge – have applied to Wiltshire Council for listed building consent to make repairs.

The feature is one of three octagonal lantern and stair turrets designed by Robert Smythson in the 1560s, when or just after the house was built, and is considered “of high significance.”

Experts say the turret has suffered from “long-term water ingress through its exposed domed masonry roof and upper blind windows.”

They also say the damp has allowed deathwatch beetles to attack wooden beams.

They add, “Combined with a lack of ventilation, this has resulted in damage to internal finishes and decay to the ceiling and floor structure below.

“The proposals seek to undertake essential structural repairs and address this water ingress, to create a dry and ventilated turret space, while also improving access for ongoing and future maintenance.

“These works are intended to ensure that the turret structure and the rooms beneath are better protected from further deterioration and potential harm.”

The octagonal turret is located on the west wall of the east courtyard of Longleat House.

It is only clearly visible externally from the house roof and partial views from the Horningsham entrance drive to the south and the parkland to the east.

Repairs are proposed on a like-for-like basis.

Pictured: Longleat House. Credit: Matt at Flickr published under Creative Commons licence