Topping out ceremony of clock tower at Wolterton Park
Reaching a new milestone in the restoration of an 18th century stately home
Duncan Baker, MP for North Norfolk, took part in the topping out ceremony for the restored Clock Tower at Wolterton Hall, in front of 50 people on 17 August 2022. Wolterton Hall was formerly owned by the Walpole family and is now the home of Peter Sheppard and Keith Day. Peter and Keith have gradually restored the Hall and its estate over the past six years.
Mr Baker said: “It is important that we have people like Peter and Keith because, quite simply, they are restoring our heritage while increasing the region’s prosperity. There is not enough support for people like them, who are doing this for future generations to look at and enjoy. We are so fortunate they put in all that effort for the good of the community and in preserving our heritage”.
After welcoming a group of friends and supporters, Peter Sheppard said: “The Clock Tower, which was in a state of near collapse, has been restored as part of the plan for the total renovation of the Coach House and Stables. These were built by Horatio Walpole, brother of Sir Robert, who was building Houghton Hall at the same time. We are grateful to Historic Houses Foundation who gave us a grant towards the works.”
Peter also thanked the team of local builders and craftsmen. These included:
Master carpenters Neil Foster and David Bowes
Clock maker Richard Simmonds who restored the original 18th century clock made by Thomas Page of Norwich in 1761
Dr Elise Percifull who drew up the masterplan
Miles Wiggington, project manager
He also thanked Laura Foster for keeping the restoration on budget and Chris Patten and Keith Day who helped Peter gild the clock face.
Wolterton Park estate hadn’t been occupied since 1989 when Lord Walpole died. Since the estate was purchased in 2016, two ha-ha’s have been rebuilt, two ponds have been dredged, two miles of estate fencing have replaced the barbed wire, the walled gardens have been partially restored and over two hundred trees have been planted.
The Main Hall is now nearing completion as well as six buildings on the estate: the East Wing, the Steward’s House, Treasury, the Garden House, the Gate House and the Keeper’s Cottage. These can be rented as comfortable holiday houses with the income helping to cover the costs of gardeners, cleaners and maintenance staff.
Nevertheless there is still more to do: Peter and Keith plan to restore three gardener’s cottages, four piggeries, the tennis courts and to complete the walled gardens.
Peter voiced his frustration that despite this being a grade I listed house with many other historic buildings, in a grade II* landscape, no grants have been available either through the Covid Recovery Fund or from English Heritage.
He said: “Grants are only awarded to properties with high visitor numbers. Yet with Wolterton Hall having been closed for 30 years, and subsequently being restored, how could there be any visitors? Funding would speed up the process to open the Hall to the public.”
The 18th century Coach House and Stables need total restoration, with an investment of £4m required to convert them into five further holiday lets and community spaces. The estate yard is derelict and alternative uses need to be found for the ruined buildings.
Wolterton Park is now a thriving business bringing work to local people and helping to create prosperity for the area.
For further info please contact faith@reflectionpr.co.uk
About Wolterton Park
Wolterton Hall is a magnificent 18th century Palladian Hall and one of the UK’s top 500 stately homes.
Built in 1741 by Horatio Walpole, brother of Britain’s first Prime Minister Robert Walpole, Wolterton Hall remained in the Walpole family until it was sold to the present owners in 2016. After remaining empty for 30 years, the estate is being meticulously restored to its former glory
Wolterton Park features five individual, luxurious holiday homes for hire.
• The East Wing - a magnificent 7-bedroom wing off the main hall with a spacious drawing room and dining room
• The Garden House - a 3-bedroom charming cottage with a wonderful private garden
• The Steward's House - a 3-bedroom cottage with a romantic courtyard
• The Gate House - a charming 3-bedroom cottage at the entrance to the estate – just launched
• The Treasury - a 2-bedroom cottage with a stunning bathroom.