Leptis Magna Ruins, Windsor Great Park, To Be Repaired and Renovated By The  Crown Estate

The Crown Estate has started a programme of repair work to the Leptis Magna Ruins which form part of The Royal Landscape within Windsor Great Park. The work should be completed in spring 2009 and is a key element within The Royal Landscape restoration project to reinstate significant historic features in the landscape.

 Philip Everett, Deputy Ranger, Windsor Great Park, says:

“As part of The Crown Estate’s stewardship responsibilities, the repair and renovation of the Leptis Magna Ruins is fundamental to maintaining the historic integrity of this Grade I listed landscape. The work which is being carried out will improve the setting of the Ruins and will also provide greater public access with the creation of a new viewing point to an area of the Ruins which is currently not open to visitors”.

The Leptis Magna Ruins represent a ‘Roman Temple’ and were built from columns and lintels from the ancient Roman city of Leptis Magna. They were given as a gift to King George IV from the Bashaw of Tripoli and were erected by Wyatville, the King’s favourite architect,   on the south bank of Virginia Water in the early nineteenth century.

Mark Flanagan, Keeper of the Gardens, explains:

“Over the last two hundred years, parts of the Ruins’ stonework have severely weathered. Working closely with Architectural and Archaeological specialists, and liaising with the local authority and English Heritage, The Crown Estate decided that work should go ahead to stabilise the stones and prevent further deterioration”.

The repair work will focus on the column bases and the entablature sections at the top of the pillars. A small section of masonry which Queen Victoria allowed to be pulled down for safety reasons in the 19^th century may be resurrected if detailed investigations indicate that this is appropriate. The job is being carried out by PAYE Stonework and Restoration Ltd a company with an unrivalled reputation in this specialist field who have worked on many of the UK’s national monuments including Windsor Castle and the Houses of Parliament.

Ends

For further information please contact: Sarah Halstead on 07918 121905 or email Sarah.Halstead@thecrownestate.co.uk

For more information about The Crown Estate, log on to www.thecrownestate.co.uk

For more information about The Royal Landscape, log on to www.theroyallandscape.co.uk

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