Brizlee Tower

We were privileged to take the lead in the conservation of Brizlee Tower, a grade I listed Gothick folly tower standing on a rocky hilltop overlooking Hulne Park near Alnwick, Northumberland. Designed by the famous Scottish architect, Robert Adam in 1777 for the First Duke of Northumberland, Brizlee was one of several buildings in the Alnwick Parks commemorating his wife, Elizabeth Seymour, through whom he had inherited his title in 1750; others we have advised on include Hulne Priory, in the valley below, Heifferlaw Tower and Ratcheugh Observatory at the eastern edge of the Alnwick parklands. Standing c.26m (87') high, the tower provides an impressive viewpoint for the important 'Capability' Brown designed landscape of Hulne Park and a large part of North Northumberland. It had severe problems of water penetration and rusting ironwork which had left the slender stone balustrades unsafe and it was on the Buildings at Risk register when we were approached to advise on repairs.

After carrying out archival research and preparing a detailed condition report, we brought together and coordinated a range of specialists to inform a detailed programme of conservation, and provided the professional lead for the English Heritage grant aided project to repair the tower and make it accessible to visitors. The works included totally dismantling and rebuilding the surrounding arcade and balcony railings at both levels, repairing the cast iron brazier at the top of the tower, providing new windows, waterproofing and rainwater drainage provisions, handrails and lightning conductors, repointing and specialist stone cleaning and conservation. Visitors can once again enjoy both the tower and the superb viewpoint it provides of the designed landscape.