Blickling Hall in Norfolk has been under a multi-pronged attack from climate change over the last several years, afflicted among others by flooding, damp and brick erosion.

Blickling is built from traditional sandy brick. Its porous nature allows water in easily and also leaves it susceptible to erosion. More stormy conditions are wearing away the brick at an increasing rate.

In recent years the external wall of the Long Gallery has suffered increasingly from moss and lichen build up – a consequence of the warmer temperatures the UK is experiencing.

Driving rain is occurring more frequently, washing off the moss and lichen which then blocks gutters and downpipes. This causes severe damp problems as the water penetrates the walls. Some extremely valuable ancient books have been severely damaged.

The clock tower is also prone to damp problems, such as rot due to its wood construction. The water from the clock tower drips through the rest of the house, causing ornate ceilings and further damp and mould on books.

Increased flooding and damp also led to the growth of a layer of mould in the gap above Blickling’s false ceilings.

The layer was only detected after room attendants began to complain of chest irritation, caused by spores. The problem cost thousands of pounds to clear.

Blickling also suffered from a particularly bad flood in 2001 when the local stream burst its banks and flooded the basement rooms. Blickling is still feeling the consequences and fearing a repetiton of the event, as Property Manager at Blickling, Phil Scott, notes: