A SOMERSET estate which was partly destroyed during the English Civil War and subsequently rebuilt has submitted plans for major restoration works on its gatehouse. 

Cothelstone Estate wants to reinstate the first floors in both the east and west wings of the manor’s gatehouse, which was unscathed from cannon fire during the conflict in 1646.  

The major proposals for the Grade One listed building seek to restore the internal structure using traditional construction methods and compatible material, using air-dried European oak joists, lime mortar and traditional lime plaster.

In a Planning Statement submitted to Somerset Council, Cothelstone Estate states that the reinstatement of the first floors is “essential to safeguard the future of the building, prevent further deterioration.”

“Historically, the former floors were inadequately built and rested on narrow ledges, leading to structural vulnerabilities.”

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The building, which is a blend of coursed red sandstone and limestone detailing, features a central tower flanked by the east and west wings. Cothelstone Manor house was substantially damaged from canon fire during the English Civil War and was reconstructed in the 1800s.

Oliver Cromwell ordered the destruction of Cothelstone Manor by cannon fire because John Stawell, the lord of the Manor, was a royalist.

To view the planning application, visit Somerset Council’s planning portal using reference: 13/24/0005/LB