Ickworth: Roof fault sees part of historic house close

A “fault” in the roof of a landmark National Trust property has led to the cancellation of one wedding with others taking place outside.

The West Wing at Ickworth House, which opened in 2005 following a £5million development project, has been closed to all functions since the middle of last week.

Although Ickworth has made alternative arrangements to accommodate clients, one wedding party decided to pull out after being offered a marquee on the lawn.

A spokeswoman for the National Trust said the problem was with a wooden support in the roof and that a team of engineers were working to rectify the problem.

She added: “We have noticed a fault with the roof in the West Wing at Ickworth. As a precautionary measure we have closed the restaurant and gallery functions suite in the West Wing whilst we investigate further.

“We are working closely with our catering partner Sodexo to make alternative arrangements for functions and visitor catering in the short term. In the meantime, the rest of the property remains open with full access to the house, park and gardens. Our principle aim is to ensure that our visitors and clients continue to have the best possible experience whilst they are here.

She added: “For all weddings we are offering alternative locations on the Ickworth Estate. We have arranged for a wedding marquee to go up on the lawn with the rotunda in the background, which will give a stunning backdrop for guests.”

But the spokeswoman confirmed one wedding party had pulled out.

Ickworth’s West Wing was built in 1841-46 and for more than a 150 years stood as an empty shell. A two-and-a-half year project between the National Trust and Sodexo saw it transformed into a first class conference centre.

In 2006 it was named as one of the top 50 places in the world to get married.