Restoring The Folly
The Folly has stood at the heart of Settle since 1679. Like all historic buildings, it needs constant care and attention.
A recent survey found roof leaks in at least twelve places, damaged mortar, decaying window frames and problems with drainage. Water entering the building was putting both its historic fabric and the museum collections at risk.
What work are we doing?
A major programme of repairs began in April 2026. The work is being carried out by Historic Property Restoration Ltd, working with Overton Architects and specialist craftspeople.
The restoration includes:
- repairing and re-slating about 230 square metres of roof
- repairing chimneys and rebuilding weak sections at the tops of the walls
- treating and repairing roof timbers
- repairing or replacing windows in keeping with the building
- repairing gutters, downpipes and drainage
- repointing the north and east walls with lime mortar
- removing unsuitable modern plaster
- repairing ceilings and walls with traditional lime plaster
- limewashing and redecorating rooms
- improving the dry moat, courtyard steps, paving and handrails
- improving insulation.
Traditional materials and methods are being used wherever possible. These allow the building to breathe and help protect its stonework and timbers.
Discoveries
Historic buildings often reveal surprises once work begins. We have already found a seventeenth-century two-pronged fork that had been lost under the floorboards.
The roof timbers were found to be in better condition than expected, but the roofing felt had decayed. No rot was found in the main timbers of the south range, and only a small amount of surface decay was found elsewhere.
In August, however, movement was discovered in part of the first floor and in the ceiling below it. Work in this area was paused while the structural engineer, architects and conservation officer developed a suitable repair.
The oak floorboards were carefully lifted and set aside so that usable timber could be saved. Loose stonework found near one of the chimneys will be rebuilt.
These discoveries have added to the work and changed the programme. Completion is now expected in spring 2027.
Visiting during the work
The Folly Coffee House remains open. Every purchase helps to support the care of this remarkable building.
The Museum of North Craven Life will reopen in 2027, once the repairs are complete and new exhibitions have been installed.
Take a look at our Restoration Diary or follow our Facebook page for regular updates on progress.
The North Craven Building Preservation Trust is grateful for support from an Arts Council England/DCMS MEND Round 4 grant and match funding from the Yorkshire Dales National Park Sustainable Development fund, Historic Houses Foundation, Wolfson Foundation, North Craven Heritage Trust and the Friends of The Folly.
You can help us secure the remaining funds that we need by making a donation.
