Strawberry Hill loses out in BBC vote

9:12am Monday 26th July 2004

Strawberry Hill House, Twickenham’s 18th century gothic castle, has lost out on the chance to win a £5.5million refurbishment, after being beaten by a medieval palace in BBC’s Restoration programme.

Horace Walpole’s castle, which sparked a gothic revival and created a new literary genre, was beaten by Archbishop’s Palace, Charing, Kent, in the regional heat of the competition.

Friends of Strawberry Hill chair Michael Snodin said the group was sad but optimistic.

Mr Snodin said: “We’re naturally disappointed but the way the local community has come behind the project has been great. We will continue working on funding for the major projects and we’ll make an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund. We’re not stopping work because we didn’t win the Restoration programme.”

The grade I-listed Archbishop’s Palace won more than 37 per cent of the votes cast. If it wins the UK final, its medieval hall will be opened for public use. The results were announced on TV last night (Tuesday).

The public can visit Strawberry Hill for free as part of a fundraising open day from 2pm on Sunday.