Supports have been put in place to try to prevent further deterioration to Folly Arch, one of the areas historic landmarks.

A large crack has been widening of late and the situation was reported on this site a week ago. 

The North Mymms Green Belt Society has also been highlighting the problem on its website.   Both sites notified the Welwyn Hatfield Times which reported on the situation in its September 15th edition.

Bricks and cement have fallen away

The North Mymms Green Belt Society and the North Mymms Residents' Association have  written to Welwyn Hatfield Council's planning department about the arch.  

In its letter, the Green Belt Society asked officials to revisit the site. 

Since then workmen have placed a large steel girder across the width of the structure, with extendable supports holding the upper part of the arch, in the hope of preventing further collapse.

The Green Belt Society has also written a letter to English Heritage urging them to take action to save the Arch. 

Folly Arch, built about 1740 Photograph by Geo. Knott, 1896

According to the Society,  English Heritage inspected Folly Arch last year and said repairs should be carried out in the spring. 

The Society has contacted English Heritage again to try to find out what is delaying the remedial work. 

It is not yet clear whether the supports have been put in as a preparation for further work to be carried out or whether they are there to prevent any further deterioraton to the structure.

More about Folly Arch on this site

History of Gobions Estate – Chapter One
History of Gobions Estate – Chapter Four
A Modern History of Brookmans Park - Chapter Two
A Modern History of Brookmans Park - Chapter Four
A Modern History of Brookmans Park - Chapter Five
A Modern History of Brookmans Park – Photographs
North Mymms - Parish and People - Photographs Two
North Mymms - Parish and People - Chapter Thirteen
The History of Gobions – Chapter Two
Gobions history to be unearthed – Click Here
Gobions Woodland Trust - Annual Report for 1998
North Mymms - Place Names
Extracts from History Society Archives – 1911

September 18, 1999

Relevant stories
Folly Arch starts to crumble - Sept 12, 1999
Green Belt Society letter - Sept 12, 1999

Have your say

Is Folly Arch worth saving?  Have Your Say