Wanstead Grotto Restoration Gets Royal Seal Of Approval

Of all the listed building restoration projects in London, few have been as long in the making as that of Wanstead Grotto, which has been undergoing urgent and vital work.

The Grade II listed structure, which gained its listing as long ago as 1954, stands in Wanstead Park in Redbridge. It was originally built in the 18th century as an entertainment venue by the park’s lake, but was largely destroyed by fire in 1884.

Since then it has stood as a ruin, albeit an impressive one with multiple arches. Before the fire it was decorated with shells, crystals and mirrors, plus a pebble floor.

However, as the Ilford Recorder reports, the building has been increasingly unstable in recent years, with Historic England placing it on its Heritage at Risk Register and a partnership of the Heritage of London Trust and the City of London Corporation teaming up to find urgent stabilising works. Planning permission for the work was granted by Redbridge Council last year.

This work was inspected by HRH Duke of Gloucester, who is the ranger of Epping Forest and patron of the Heritage of London Trust, as well as being a former architect.

Dr Nicola Stacy, the director of the trust, said it had been “wonderful” to show the duke the progress that has been made on the project so far.

She added: "It’s one of east London’s hidden gems and so important that it is restored for the public and the local community to enjoy again.”

The trust has completed numerous restoration projects across the capital and has many more ongoing works taking place.

Among these are the restoration of the public clock at the elaborately corniced Boston Arms pub in Tufnell Park, repairs to the brickwork and masonry of the front porch of the Bush Theatre in White City and the restoration of the Rose Window of Winchester Palace in Southwark.