On Tuesday 27th July cricketing legend Henry Blofeld officially opened the newly restored Hoveton Hall glasshouse.
One of the earliest examples of its kind, the Grade II* listed cast iron structure had been sitting derelict. The project to rescue the glasshouse was led by Purcell Miller Tritton and began just over a year ago. The works included replacing the original scalloped glazing, repairing the cast iron frame and making the building fully accessible.
Archaeological investigations and historical research suggest that the structure was built in the 1820s, and it is possible that it was designed by John Adey Repton. Paul Kings the architect who led the project commented, “The fact that it has possible links with the Reptons is exciting. The restoration will give future visitors to Hoveton Hall the chance to appreciate a glasshouse of this age in its former glory.”
The project cost over £190,000 and was supported by grants from English Heritage and the Country Houses Foundation.