A refurbishment project carried out by Mansell on the UK's tallest folly, has received a prestigious Angel Award from English Heritage.

The craftsmanship on the Hadlow Castle Tower in Kent was recognised as the 'best employed on a heritage project' at the awards which were established by Lord Lloyd-Webber, with the winners voted for by English Heritage members and Telegraph newspaper subscribers.

The £3.2 million Hadlow Castle Tower scheme was completed earlier this year by Mansell and included the extensive refurbishment and restoration of the Tower, originally built in 1838 by architect George Ledwell.

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The works carried out consisted of internal and external refurbishment with pre-cast mouldings using the original 'Roman Cement' material used and imported from Grenoble in France. Internally, structural modifications included the strengthening of the existing lower timber floors and the installation of new oak floors. Lime plaster was used to replicate the original plaster finishes.

The award was presented to the Vivat Trust and the Save Hadlow Tower Action Group at a ceremony in London recently.

Addressing the winners, Lord Lloyd-Webber said: "This year's winners have shown courage, tenacity and perseverance and have saved listed buildings and historic ruins from being lost to posterity. Now these places have a future. They will uplift and enlighten all who come across them and will be cherished by their communities for generations to come."

(CD/IT)