Comments on: Ratcliffe’s Folly, or Ecton Castle, Ecton, Staffordshire

By: Editor

Editor — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:46:03 +0000

In reply to Stephen Karle. Hello Stephen. I think Arthur was very proud of his creation, and would have enjoyed giving tours to his family and friends. How lovely that your mother remembers her visit. Very best wishes for the festive season to your mother and yourself.

By: Stephen Karle

Stephen Karle — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:35:07 +0000

I have just shared your fascinating article on Ratcliffe’s Folly with my 96 year-old Mother, who is the niece of Arthur Ratcliffe. She recalls visiting the Folly as a child, shortly before the outbreak of WW2, when her family lived in Derby. She was accompanied by her Mother, Lily Baker, and her sisters, Enid and Gertrude, They met Arthur at the property and he conducted a tour.

By: Editor

Editor — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 16:20:33 +0000

In reply to Jonathan Cooke. Thank you Jonathan. The owner admits to a total passion for the building, so Ecton Castle is in safe hands. Great to hear that you have memories of the house in a dilapidated state, which must help you admire it all the more on your walks. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

By: Jonathan Cooke

Jonathan Cooke — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 15:29:50 +0000

Great Article. I came to know the house and surrounds after attending survey camps down Ecton Mine and surrounding land whilst an Undergraduate at Sheffield Hallam University. Not sure if anybody can remember but our Course Leader was Geoffrey Marsden and he used to collect the key for the mine from Geoffrey Cox who now gives his name to the Mine and Study Centre. These survey camps were in 1990 and 1991 and the house was derelict in those days. Great to see that the new owners have brought the house back to life and well done to them. I continue to walk Ecton Hill and always stop to admire the house each time I visit.

By: Editor

Editor — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 17:23:36 +0000

In reply to Iain KS Gray. Hello Iain. Yes that crossed my mind too, although the French postman created something, to my mind, unsurpassable.

By: Iain KS Gray

Iain KS Gray — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 18:09:45 +0000

Collecting material like that reminds me of the Postman Cheval and his Palais.

By: Editor

Editor — Sun, 18 Feb 2024 09:54:46 +0000

In reply to Alan Terrill. Hello Alan. Yes the hill is a bit of a challenge, but worth it for the view of Ecton Castle and the surrounding scenery. Happily it is in safe hands with the present owner.

By: Alan Terrill

Alan Terrill — Sat, 17 Feb 2024 17:51:40 +0000

It was good to read the history of this place. I visited two years ago and was very pleased to see it being looked after again. On my previous visit c 1990 it was empty and a little derelict. The lane up to it seemed to have got a good deal steeper this time around!

By: Editor

Editor — Sat, 17 Feb 2024 13:42:24 +0000

In reply to Garance. Good afternoon Garance. I suspect a planning application would not succeed today. The present owner continues to use local craftspeople to keep the building in good repair.

By: Garance

Garance — Sat, 17 Feb 2024 12:52:11 +0000

Constructing a Folly is a great way to learn various heritage skills. Stone masonry, Lime Mortar pointing, copper work, etc. I wonder if our current Local Authority Planning Department members would have supported him in his delightful eccentricities.