Imagine owning a 600-year-old castle, only to be accused of damaging its historic walls. That’s exactly what happened to a Norfolk Tory councillor, who’s now facing backlash for his controversial decision to erect a wooden fence around the Grade I-listed Middleton Castle. But here’s where it gets controversial: while he claims it was to protect his family’s privacy, officials argue it caused irreversible harm to a national treasure. Let’s dive into this tale of heritage, privilege, and the clash between personal freedom and public preservation.
Thomas Barclay, a Conservative councillor on West Norfolk Council since 2023, installed a two-metre-high wooden fence around Middleton Castle near King’s Lynn. His goal? To prevent passersby from peering into the property. However, he overlooked one critical step: obtaining planning permission. When council officials discovered the fence bolted directly into the castle’s 15th-century brickwork, they were appalled. The damage, they said, was irreparable. This week, the planning committee rejected Barclay’s retrospective application, sparking a debate that goes beyond bricks and mortar.
And this is the part most people miss: While Barclay’s actions were clearly unauthorized, the case raises questions about balancing modern needs with historical preservation. Lynette Fawkes, a planning officer, called the fence ‘wholly discordant’ with the castle’s Grade I-listed status, emphasizing its harm to both the walls and the surrounding landscape. She also pointed out that screws had been drilled into the bricks themselves, not the mortar joints, exacerbating the damage. But Barclay’s defense—that a similar fence had stood there since the 1980s and that privacy is essential for his family and event guests—has left some sympathetic.
Councillor Tom de Winton acknowledged the privacy concerns, noting that the castle’s high-profile renters, including minor celebrities, value seclusion. Yet, most councillors were unforgiving. ‘It looks unpleasant and inappropriate,’ said Jim Moriarty, who added that Barclay’s status as a councillor was the only reason the application wasn’t rejected outright earlier. A last-ditch effort to defer the decision failed, and the committee voted to refuse the application.
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Barclay, a former foreign exchange trader in London, inherited the castle in early 2023 from his family, who have owned it since 1960. He transformed the 15-bedroom stronghold into an events space, admitting to the Telegraph that managing the castle is far harder than his days in finance. Now, he lives in a nearby farmhouse with his wife and children, leaving the castle for corporate events, weddings, and holidays. But his fencing decision has turned him into a polarizing figure.
Middleton Castle, also known as Middleton Tower, has a rich history. Built around 1455 for Thomas, the seventh Lord Scales, it survived the Wars of the Roses and was later restored in the Victorian era. Notable families like the Woodvilles, Howards, and de Veres have called it home. Its 60-foot-high gatehouse is a masterpiece of 15th-century brickwork, making its preservation a matter of national importance.
So, here’s the question: Should historical preservation always trump personal convenience? Or is there room for compromise when it comes to protecting privacy in such a public space? Barclay’s case highlights the challenges of maintaining heritage sites in the modern world. What do you think? Is he a careless owner or a misunderstood protector of his family’s legacy? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over.
