'Unsafe' historical listed gate closed to public

Fencing has been erected around the gate with notices telling walkers not to go under it

An 18th Century gate on a popular walking route has been sealed off after concerns were raised about its safety.

Signs have been placed around the arch gate at Badby Woods in Northamptonshire warning walkers about the "unsafe structure".

It is all that remains of accommodation for a gatekeeper of Fawsley Hall, the former home of the Knightley family.

The estate has told the BBC it is getting quotations for repairs.

The gate was once at the beginning of a sweeping drive towards Fawsley Hall

The Grade II listed gate once marked the beginning of “Cherry Drive”, a carriage drive to Fawsley Hall, the home of the Knightley family for 500 years.

Charles I was seen hunting deer in Fawsley Park on the eve of the Battle of Naseby and John Merrick, the so-called Elephant Man, was given a home there.

The hall was requisitioned for use by the military during both World War One and Two and had a brief incarnation as a timber workshop before being turned into a hotel.

The surrounding 74 hectares (182 acres) of land, which includes the woods and the arch gate, is separate and is part of the Fawsley Estate.

Repair work could begin this summer if money can be found

The estate put fencing around the gate as it was concerned about a crack in the stonework.

The cost of repairs is being determined, and the work could be done this summer if the estate can fund them.

The 18th Century cate gate is Grade II listed

Although the structure could be reinforced with steel, the estate said it was reluctant to use that technique.

A villager told the BBC he wanted to see the work carried out "sooner rather than later".

A spokesperson for Badby Parish Council said: "The archway into Badby Woods has become a well-loved local landmark.

"The parish council appreciates Fawsley Estate’s efforts to protect walkers by erecting temporary fencing."