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Shadwell Court listed as 'endangered' building




A Grade I-listed building in Thetford has been named on the Victorian Society's top 10 most endangered buildings 2019.

Shadwell Court - a gothic country mansion was revealed to have extensive roof problems and deterioration.

Initially built in 1715 the mansion is owned by Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum - member of the Dubai ruling family.

Shadwell Court, Thetford.
Shadwell Court, Thetford.

Christopher Costelloe, Director of the Victorian Society, said: "Shadwell Court’s owner can easily afford to look after this important building properly. It has been neglected for far too long and it will be a scandal if it isn’t put right soon."

A spokesperson for Shadwell Estate Company Limited, said: “Shadwell Estate was acquired by Landlark Investments Limited over 30 years ago and is managed by Shadwell Estate Company Limited who have continually invested significant resources into the Estate and its assets. The Estate is now a leading racing stud and pre-training yard for race horses, and a home for many retired racehorses. To do this we collectively employ circa 235 people in both the rural and equine industries across Norfolk, Suffolk and Berkshire.

"Shadwell Court, of which we took occupation in 1992, is a centrepiece to the estate and since then has been a focus of investment for Shadwell. Since 2008 alone we have spent over £1.66 million on conservation works to maintain the building and keep it in adequate repair including, among many other things; works to renew the roofs, refurbishment works and day to day maintenance. Current projects under detailed consideration include the refurbishment of an adjoining Cottage and conservation works to the courtyard buildings.

"Significant conservation works were carried out on the roof approximately 10 years ago to make the house roof completely watertight, and the dry rot was dealt with at the same time. The property has been maintained ever since in a wind and watertight condition.”