The
Lord Of The Rings - Perrott's Folly
By Darren Cannan, Birmingham |
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Perrott's
Folly in Edgbaston in Birmingham
Photo: The Housing Education Initiative |
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The
fellowship of residents who safeguard the Birmingham monument, are
bracing themselves for an influx of Lord Of The Rings fans, with the
release of The Return of the King, on December 17. |
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Refreshments
may be on the menu in houses on Waterworks Road in Edgbaston as tourists
visit Perrott’s Folly, which inspired JRR Tolkien to pen The Two Towers,
the second book of the epic trilogy.
"Don't forget Tolkien lived at 25 Stirling Road, went to the Oratory
and drank in the Ivy Bush," states local volunteer Chris Hoare, member
of the charitable trust overseeing the restoration of the Folly.
"12 months ago I stood in the kitchen and looked at the Folly and
thought I don't even know who owns it, then I found out it was owned
by the Perrott’s Folly Company. Even before the film was made coach
loads of Japanese tourists would arrive; they would get off the bus,
take some pictures and get back on again.
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| Perrott's
Folly windows |
"We
already have interest for people wanting to use the Folly when it
is restored. An artist and potter want to rent the rooms and we'll
put events on for the elderly as it will be a living building," says
Chris. The amount required to restore this elegant, grade II listed
building to its former glory is £100,000.
The restoration plan for this ancient landmark is a sign of the area's
rejuvenation. Over a three year period the South West Residents' Group
have worked with the Police and Council to stamp out drug and crime
problems.
CCTV cameras and better lighting around the flats have been installed
to make the area safer.
Although, there was a reason to be scared this Halloween as the Folly
was illuminated and filled with ghoulish sights: "We lit every room
and people dressed up as witches, it got people out their houses with
children asking their parents if they could come over and see the
Folly," Chris explains.
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| Chris
Hoare |
Spooks
and ghouls make way for Hobbits and monsters in the festive season.
The gothic structure was transformed from good to evil in a lighting
spectacular on 22nd December 2002, following in the steps of Tolkien's
original story.
Thankfully the Orcs were asleep when Chris gave me a sneak preview.
The building is as impressive as it is fascinating. Climbing the 139
spiral steps brings you to seven rooms, each with their own colour
and shape.
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Perrott's
Folly, Waterworks Road, Edgbaston,
Birmingham.
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Built
in 1758, the Folly has been used for many purposes from a country
hunting retreat to a weather station.
The grandest room is on the seventh floor with a beautiful, curved
Georgian ceiling with casts showing country pursuits like hunting
and agriculture.
Access to the roof is difficult unless you're a Hobbit as the door
is only three feet high. Well at least it's a Hobbit haven, very safe
from the grisly Orcs up there. The inspiration to one of the greatest
stories ever told needs urgent help but at least the quest to restore
the Folly has
begun.
For information about Perrott's Folly and donations to the restoration
project, contact:
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Dave
Hill,
7B Augustus Road,
Edgbaston,
Birmingham, B15 3NB.
Tel: 0121 455 0422
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