Historic structure saved from collapse (From Free Press Series)

Historic structure saved from collapse

A PIECE of Pontypool's history was in danger of collapsing until it was saved from ruin.

Now, the folly structure which dates back to the 17th century will be rebuilt and given pride of place in the town's park.

Fondly known as the 'Pig Cote' it has occupied private land in Trevethin, since it was built as part of a series of follies in the wider Pontypool landscape.

In its heyday, the Pig Cote would have provided a clear view down the valley, across to Folly tower and before being used to house pigs may well have sheltered the Hanbury family as they took in the views.

In recent years its condition began to deteriorate and Torfaen council stepped in to help landowner Nicholas Barne save the structure, which was possibly constructed by the Hanbury family.

Mr Barne owns SARA Investments Ltd a company he named after the rescue association, which two years ago rescued him from the River Severn following a jet ski accident.

Mr Barne said: "I am glad that this interesting building is going to be rebuilt. I have been working with the council to make sure it will be safely dismantled."

The Pig Cote cannot be listed, like other historic buildings, because it is thought to have a lack of architectural merit.

Over the past few years local children have used the folly to play in and many older people can remember using it as a den.

But Mr Barne had concerns that it was unstable. He said: "I was worried that an accident was going to happen as it had become unsafe as the key stone was missing."

"I thought about knocking it down, but the council said it was of local interest and they believed it was made by the Hanbury family. So I was glad for them to take care of it and rebuild it," he added.

Work to safely remove the Pig Cote from its site recently got under way.

The stones are being removed one by one, numbered and securely stored by the council, until next summer when the weather will be conducive to rebuilding it.

Built of local conglomerate known as 'pudding stone,' the walls are some 500mm thick. Inside, the rear wall has a series of niches that may have formed an early interior design or could have held a seat. The ground in front was levelled out to form a platform.

The council are yet to pinpoint the exact spot in the park that will be home to the structure.

To help the plans come to fruition the council will make a bid to Awards for Wales, aiming for a grant towards the cost of the rebuild.