A HISTORIC 19th century wall on a Somerset military base has been restored.

The Grade-II listed wall was originally built around 1810 to border the approach to Norton Manor House, at Norton Fitzwarren.

The manor was previously used as a country residence by landed gentry, including the Queen Mother's uncle, the Hon. Francis Bowes Lyon.

However, since 1983, the site has been RM Norton Manor, home of 40 Royal Marine Commando.

Since then, the Serpentine Wall has become discoloured with grime and mud due to vehicles passing.

The renovation work was carried out on behalf of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) by their industry partner, VIVO Defence Services.

VIVO Defence Services worked with their partners Robert Rice Contractors for 15 weeks, using a low-pressure, chemical-free heated water system to clean the 164-foot long structure.

They also repointed the wall, which was built near the main entrance of the estate and follows the contours of the woodland bordering the driveway up to the stable clock tower.

Stuart Clerkson, DIO estate facilities manager, said: “Norton Manor Camp is nestled into hillside woodland on the outskirts of Norton Fitzwarren and contains three Grade II listed structures.

"Being able to carry out cleaning and repairs to The Serpentine Wall allows you to fully appreciate the beauty and craftmanship of the original construction. Following cleaning, the yellow gault brick glow in the dappled sunlight that falls through the trees that sit above this retaining wall.

"The Conservation Stewardship Fund award of £25,000 was matched from the site maintenance budget to enable this restoration to be carried out.”

Jerry Moloney, managing director at VIVO Defence Services, said: “As a facilities management and maintenance provider working solely for the UK military and its partners, we carry out a lot of varied work, whether it’s repairing runways, making military buildings more energy efficient, repairing Service Family Accommodation or providing restoration work to heritage structures.

“The MOD is the UK’s second largest landlord and that means there is a lot to do.

"Renovating the Serpentine Wall at Norton Manor marine camp is certainly an interesting job and helps highlight the huge array of heritage buildings there are across the UK’s military bases and keeping them in good condition is historically important.

"Well done to our team.”