Historic England Supports Solar Plans for Tolkien Linked Stonyhurst College

Historic England is supporting Stonyhurst College’s plans to install solar panels on its historic buildings.

The government’s adviser on the historic environment has praised the thoughtful approach taken by the college to protect the Grade I listed site while reducing carbon emissions.

The organisation highlighted how the solar panels are positioned on the listed buildings to be hidden behind parapet walls at low angles. This means there will be no negative visual impact on the special character of Stonyhurst’s highly significant historic structures.

The college holds additional cultural significance as the wartime residence of J.R.R. Tolkien who stayed at Stonyhurst’s New Lodge while writing The Lord of the Rings. The college’s historic library and atmospheric surroundings are thought to have influenced aspects of his legendary Middle-earth writings.

Protecting Heritages

Catherine Dewar, North West Regional Director at Historic England, said: “The college has taken real care to position these solar panels sensitively on this amazing site, where literary history and architectural significance go hand in hand. It’s encouraging to see such a thoughtful approach that respects Stonyhurst’s Grade I listed buildings whilst embracing the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions.”

Stonyhurst College

Apart from the link with Tolkein _¾ Stonyhurst College comprises an exceptionally significant collection of historic buildings within a registered Grade II* historic designed landscape.

At its heart is the Old Quadrangle, a Grade I listed late 16^th century courtyard plan house built for the notable Catholic recusant Lancashire family, the Shireburns, between 1592-95. The college became home to the Society of Jesus in the late 18^th century and has provided Catholic education for centuries. Its buildings reflect the evolution of architectural styles from Renaissance Revival to Early Perpendicular.

Historic England has requested additional structural engineering information to ensure the historic roof structures can safely support the solar installations before final approval.

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