Bath MP Wera Hobhouse recently visited Beckford’s Tower to see the restoration works carried out by Bath Preservation Trust (BPT) at the historic landmark.
Eve Salomon, Wera Hobhouse and Alex Sherman on the newly-restored roof terrace
During her visit on 20th September, Ms Hobhouse was welcomed by BPT Chair Eve Salomon CBE and CEO Alex Sherman, who guided her through the tower and museum, showcasing the updates to the Grade I listed building.
The tour included the newly uncovered Grotto, a historic feature that had been hidden underground for over 100 years.
Beckford’s Tower, built between 1826 and 1827, stands as a significant monument in Bath’s cultural heritage.
Originally commissioned by William Beckford (1760-1844), it housed one of the greatest collections of art, furniture, and books in Georgian England.
However, the legacy of Beckford is intertwined with Britain’s history and involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. His wealth, inherited after his father’s death in 1770, was built on the profits of sugar plantations in Jamaica, which were dependent on the labour of enslaved Africans.
Bath Preservation Trust has been working to address this history as part of its restoration project.
The recent works, known as the ‘Our Tower’ project, supported by a £3.9 million grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, not only preserved the architectural integrity of the Tower but also sought to engage with Beckford’s complex legacy.
The project has re-examined Beckford’s role in the transatlantic slave trade and working with a diverse Community Advisory Panel, has adapted the site to tell a more inclusive story, making it accessible to a wider audience.
During the restoration, sustainable energy solutions were integrated, such as solar panels on the newly restored roof terrace and air-source heat pumps.
The ‘Our Tower’ project also funded new digital experiences to widen the project’s reach, including a virtual reality tour and animated video exploring the root of William Beckford’s wealth, created in collaboration with Zubr Curio, Bristol’s leading augmented and virtual reality studio.
The MP praised the project’s dual focus on preserving Bath’s heritage while confronting Britain’s history of slavery.
She said: “The restoration of Beckford’s Tower is not only about preserving a historical part of the city’s northern landscape but also about ensuring we tell the full story of William Beckford, including his involvement in the transatlantic slave trade.
“This unflinching, more honest narrative of our city’s history, combined with innovative features like the solar panels, shows how we can thoughtfully preserve the past while protecting our future.”
Eve Salomon CBE, Chair of Bath Preservation Trust, said: “Alex and I were delighted to show Wera around the refurbished Tower and grounds and to share the process of our intensive consultation with our local communities.
“William Beckford’s wealth was built on the lives of people who had lost their freedom. It is our intention to honour them and to celebrate the Tower as the manifestation of their labours.
“The fact that we can do so in a structure using only sustainable energy sources protects this important story for generations to come.”
