Tolkien-linked Stonyhurst College praised by Historic England for thoughtful approach to installing solar panels on heritage landmark
Historic England has welcomed plans by the Ribble Valley’s Stonyhurst College to install solar panels on its historic buildings, praising the thoughtful approach taken to protect the Grade I listed site whilst enabling it to reduce carbon emissions.
The government’s adviser on the historic environment praised the thoughtful approach taken by the famed college in Hurst Green, noting that solar panels are positioned on less significant buildings, and where they are proposed for listed buildings, they'll be hidden behind parapet walls at low angles.
This means there will be no negative visual impact on the special character of these highly significant historic structures.
Catherine Dewar, North West Regional Director at Historic England, said: “The college has taken real care to position these solar panels sensitively on this amazing site, where literary history and architectural significance go hand in hand. It's encouraging to see such a thoughtful approach that respects Stonyhurst's Grade I listed buildings whilst embracing the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions.”
Historic
Stonyhurst College comprises an exceptionally significant collection of historic buildings within a registered Grade II historic designed landscape.
At its heart is the Old Quadrangle, a Grade I listed late 16th century courtyard plan house built for the notable recusant Lancashire Catholic family, the Shireburns, between 1592-95.
The college became home to the Society of Jesus in the late 18th century and has provided Catholic education for centuries, with its buildings reflecting evolving architectural styles from Renaissance Revival to Early Perpendicular.
Tolkien
The site holds particular cultural significance as the wartime residence of J.R.R. Tolkien who stayed at Stonyhurst’s New Lodge while writing The Lord of the Rings. The college’s historic library and atmospheric surroundings are thought to have influenced aspects of his legendary Middle-earth writings.
Historic England has requested additional structural engineering information to ensure the historic roof structures can safely support the solar installations before final approval.
Historic England is a public body that protects and brings life to the heritage that matters to us all, so it lives on and is loved for longer. From the extraordinary to the everyday, our historic places and spaces matter.