A first glance at Witley Court, Worcestershire, gives the impression of a massive mid-Victorian country house. A second look reveals the absence of roofs, windows and areas of stonework. A closer examination of the remaining shell shows evidence of seventeenth century, eighteenth century and Regency remains. Until a great fire wrought havoc at Witley Court in 1937 the house was a grand building whose nineteenth century owner, Lord Ward (created Earl of Dudley in 1860) lavished enormous amounts of money. Now it is an interesting ruin in the care of English Heritage who have undertaken sensitive restorations, including bringing the Perseus and Andromeda fountain back to life every hour on the hour.
The first photograph shows the main south front of the house with the restored fountain in full flow. The second image shows the east front. The clock tower that can be seen above the south front belongs to a splendid Baroque church immediately next to the house, that was relatively untouched by the fire.
photo © T. Boughen Camera: Nikon D5300
