The Lord Of The Rings - Perrott's Folly
By Darren Cannan, Birmingham | |
|  | Perrott's Folly in Edgbaston in Birmingham
Photo: The Housing Education Initiative |
| | 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. |
| | | 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.
 | | 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.
 | | 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.
Perrott's Folly, Waterworks Road, Edgbaston,
Birmingham. |
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:
Dave Hill,
7B Augustus Road,
Edgbaston,
Birmingham, B15 3NB.
Tel: 0121 455 0422 |
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