Following extensive restoration work, Keppel’s Column reopened its doors after being removed from Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register following a sixty-year closure.
Standing 115ft tall, the tower is the largest of the Wentworth follies, occupying a prominent position within the Scholes Conservation Area, overlooking Wentworth Woodhouse.
Built between 1773 and 1780 to honour Admiral Keppel in commemoration of his acquittal at a court martial in 1779, the column was in a poor state of repair when Rotherham Council took over ownership of the Column from the Wentworth Estate.
The Grade II* listed building has been closed to the public since the 1960s, when it was just 1 penny to climb the 221 steps to the top of the tower.
Following a two-year restoration programme, with only a few minor setbacks due to Covid-19, the tower has been restored back to its former glory and is once again ready to welcome visitors.
Heritage conservation specialists, Aura Heritage Ltd carried out the building works supported by expert conservation architects and structural engineers to ensure the works were sympathetic to the original building.
After securing the structure from the inside, the metal banding on the exterior of the tower - which has been a common sight for many years, was removed with specialist stonemasons brought in to repair the weathered stone and mortar.
Works to the top of the tower include a new hatch, new cast metal railings designed to replicate the originals and the installation of bird boxes to encourage owls and swifts who are known to nest within the area.
The project was funded by Rotherham Council with investment from Historic England, Fitzwilliam Wentworth Amenity Trust and Historic Houses foundation.
Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion, Councillor David Sheppard said: “It’s fantastic that Keppel’s Column is now restored and being removed from the Heritage at Risk Register. We are very grateful all the organisations and community groups that have supported the restoration and helped rescue this important part of Rotherham’s heritage.
“What’s special about places like Keppel’s Column is that they have this amazing history. There are opportunities now for people to visit the monument and create new memories for years to come.”
Giles Proctor, Architect at Historic England, added: “We are delighted to have supported the repair of Keppel’s Column with a grant and advice. The column was on our register since it was first published in 1999, so it is splendid that it is now fully repaired, no longer at risk and once again accessible to the public. I would encourage all who can to climb to the top to enjoy the wonderful views.”
A small number of public tours took place over this year’s Heritage Open Weekend with visitors enjoying the spectacular views over the Wentworth landscape alongside audio trails and land art by Art of Protest.
The Council will be working in partnership with Keppel and Scholes Heritage group on future programming across the site and bookable public tours will resume in April 2023 when the Column will open on the first Sunday of every month.
Over the course of the restoration Rotherham Museums collected memories from the local community keen to share their stories over the 250-year history of the site. The soundbites will be used to create an audio post which will be installed on the site.
Rotherham Council’s museums, arts and heritage manager, Lisa Howarth said: We were overwhelmed with the amount of people who wanted to visit the site and look at the work that has been carried out.
“It’s a true testament to how much the monument means to the local community with so many people sharing their memories of time spent here, and we look forward to welcoming many more after the winter season.”
Historic England has also announced that the Rockingham Kiln in Swinton, has been added to the Heritage at Risk Register. The bottle-shaped building was once part of an internationally renowned porcelain works producing ornamental pieces for royalty and aristocracy.
The building is a rare surviving example of its type and an important part of Rotherham’s industrial heritage. The long-term aim is to restore the Kiln and use it for community and volunteer activities.
More information on Keppel’s Column programme of activities will be published on Rotherham Museums Facebook page - www.facebook.com/cliftonparkmuseum.