Clumber Park: Historic glasshouse reopens after £250k restoration

  • By Jude Winter
  • BBC News, East Midlands

Image source, National Trust

Image caption, The walled kitchen garden at Clumber Park, which spans four acres, is where the glasshouse is located

A glasshouse that dates back 110 years has reopened after a £250,000 restoration.

After work began in August 2023, the Grade II-listed Conservatory and Palm House at Clumber Park, Worksop, has been restored and redecorated.

During the renovation, more than 800 glass panes of glass were taken out and cleaned.

The National Trust said a "large percentage" of the project was funded by a former worker's gift in his will.

Installed by the 7th Duke of Newcastle and finished in 1910, the glasshouse is the longest structure under the care of the National Trust, reaching over 137 metres (450 feet).

Image source, National Trust

Image caption, The timber rot and decay before restoration works began

The National Trust said "extensive timber splice repairs and resin repairs" were carried out to retain as much of the original timber structure as possible.

Additional work included masonry and roof repointing works, limewashing walls, and rewiring the Palm House climbing wires for plants.

Now complete, visitors can access the full building, which also houses a tools and vineries museum, apple store and drying room, and an old gardener's mess room.

Image source, National Trust

Image caption, The spring display inside the newly reopened glasshouse

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