5 hours Ago By [email protected] (Joe Griffin)
Repair works are underway at an unusual historical landmark on a vast Lincolnshire estate. Bellmount Tower near Grantham was built in the 18th century and, at the time it was erected, seven counties could be seen from its top viewing gallery. The Grade II listed tower is located just outside Belton Park and the vista from the top shows the surrounding park and a view through a line of trees to Belton House.
It was built by Sir John Brownlow who was created Viscount Tyrconnel in 1718 and settled at Belton in the early 1720s. During the First World War, the park at Belton was home to a huge training camp, and the tower became a focus for manoeuvres. The tower was originally larger and had wings on either side that were later removed.
It is popularly known as 'Brownlow's trousers'. The Brownlow family owned Belton House and its grounds until 1984 when it was donated to the National Trust. Bellmount Tower was subsequently acquired with the help of funds from the National Heritage Memorial Fund.
Although the tower was restored in 1989-90, it is in need of further repair. A project began in the summer of 2024 to fix the tower's roof, replace windows and frames and repair brickwork. The work is due to be completed by the end of the year, with scaffolding set to be taken down early next year.
General manager at Belton, Ian Cooper, said: "The restoration work to Bellmount Tower has been organised as part of our Reconnecting Grantham partnership with The Woodland Trust. The essential conservation work includes repairs to the roof and brickwork and the replacement of windows and frames. "We’re looking forward to seeing the tower returned to its former glory so that it can be preserved for many years to come.
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