Once I was a clever boy learning the arts of Oxford... is a quotation from the verses written by Bishop Richard Fleming (c.1385-1431) for his tomb in Lincoln Cathedral. Fleming, the founder of Lincoln College in Oxford, is the subject of my research for a D. Phil., and, like me, a son of the West Riding. I have remarked in the past that I have a deeply meaningful on-going relationship with a dead fifteenth century bishop... it was Fleming who, in effect, enabled me to come to Oxford and to learn its arts, and for that I am immensely grateful.


Tuesday, 10 March 2026

The Restoration of the South Tower at Wentworth Woodhouse

 I have posted several times about the ongoing program of conservation and restoration at Wentworth Woodhouse in Yorkshire. This is a huge task given the size of the house, and also the condition into which much of it has fallen. It is also very inspiring, to see the rescue of a building of such importance that came perilously close to being lost forever, and also, that it engages craftsman and craftswomen in restoring a building, using the techniques, with which it was built.

One of the current projects Is the restoration of the Siuth Tower of the East Front - famous for being the longest frontage of any house in the country.

The project is partially funded by the Landmark Trust, And upon completion, it will be possible to book via the Truat to stay in what once the self-contained drawing room of the second Marchioness of Rockingham. 

The Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust
has a video about the history of the Tower, which can be seen at The Story of the South Tower at Wentworth Woodhouse

BBC News also has a report about the project which can be seen at Tower is new focus of historic Wentworth Woodhouse restoration

There is another feature about the plans which can be seen at Layers of history peeled back to reveal past of hidden gem


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