A Conservative councillor has found himself in hot water after allegedly causing significant harm to the walls of a historic 15th-century castle that he owns. Thomas Barclay, who serves on the West Norfolk Council, affixed a two-meter-high wooden fence to the protective walls of the Grade I-listed Middleton Castle, located near King's Lynn. His intention was to prevent passersby from looking over the walls.
However, Mr. Barclay failed to secure the necessary planning permission before proceeding with the installation. Upon discovering this, council officials conducted an inspection and determined that the fence had been attached directly to the castle's brickwork, leading to "irreversible damage" to the structure. Following this revelation, they recommended that the planning committee reject Mr. Barclay's retrospective application for approval, which the committee subsequently did during a recent meeting.
In other instances, council officials might have made decisions on such matters independently; however, due to Mr. Barclay's role as a councillor, the case was escalated to the committee level.
Planning officer Lynette Fawkes emphasized the inappropriateness of the fence as a boundary treatment for a site of national significance, arguing against its installation. She pointed out that screws were drilled into the bricks instead of the mortar joints, causing damage that would be difficult—if not impossible—to repair. The materials chosen by Mr. Barclay were also criticized as being completely out of harmony with the Grade I listed environment, negatively impacting both the wall itself and the overall aesthetic of the castle, which is available for event rentals.
Council officials raised concerns about Mr. Barclay's failure to provide adequate justification for this unusual fencing and noted that he had not engaged in discussions with them prior to the meeting. Remarkably, Mr. Barclay, who has served on the council since 2023, was not present to defend his application during the decision-making process.
Although only one letter of support for the fence was submitted—written by a relative arguing that residents needed privacy due to tourists frequently stopping to photograph the castle—the council appeared largely unsympathetic. One councillor, Tom de Winton, acknowledged the privacy issues but highlighted the overwhelming disapproval of the majority, with Councillor Jim Moriarty describing the fence as "unpleasant and inappropriate." He added, "This application is before us solely because he is a councillor; had he not held this position, it would likely have been rejected already."
A last-minute attempt to postpone the decision was declined, and the committee voted to refuse the application in a split outcome.
FROM FOREX TO FORTRESS
Middleton Castle, sometimes referred to as Middleton Tower, has a rich history within Mr. Barclay's family, having been inherited by his grandmother in 1960. June Barclay, who married Timothy Barclay in 1947, was connected to a notable lineage, including her husband’s father, Humphrey Barclay, who served as chaplain to Kings George VI and Elizabeth II. Their son, Julian, passed the castle to Tom in early 2023. After a successful career as a foreign exchange trader in London, Mr. Barclay has described managing the castle as a far greater challenge than his previous work. Instead of residing within the castle grounds, he and his family live in a nearby farmhouse. Interestingly, 2023 proved to be a pivotal year for Mr. Barclay, as he not only took ownership of the castle but also secured a seat on the West Norfolk Council, where he currently participates in the planning committee and the environment and community panel, representing the West Winch Ward.
MOATS, TURRETS AND CORPORATE EVENTS
Middleton Castle, encircled by a moat and adorned with turrets and parapets, has housed numerous prominent families throughout its history. Construction of the castle is believed to have begun around 1455 under Thomas, the seventh Lord Scales, a significant figure during the Hundred Years War. Sadly, Lord Scales was murdered during the Wars of the Roses before he could see his vision realized. His daughter and son-in-law later took up the project, continuing his ambitious plans. The castle has also seen residence from other notable families, including the Woodvilles, Howards, and de Veres. Standing at approximately 60 feet tall, the gatehouse is recognized as one of the finest examples of 15th-century brickwork in England.
By the 18th century, the manor had fallen into disrepair but was restored during the Victorian era and has remained in the possession of the Barclay family since the 1960s. In 2023, the castle opened its doors to the public for special events such as weddings, holidays, and corporate gatherings.
