The Folly
The Folly is the headquarters of the North Craven Building Preservation Trust and home to the Museum of North Craven Life, which explores the history, people and landscape of North Craven. The building is undergoing major repairs and improvements during 2026 and early 2027.
Overview | History | Heritage significance | Plans & documents | Gallery | Current projects
The Folly was completed in 1679 for Richard Preston, a prosperous Settle lawyer. Standing beside the old main road into the town from the south, its imposing façade was designed to demonstrate the status of its owner. Although aspects of the building’s early history remain uncertain, continuing research is revealing new evidence about the house and its builder.
NCBPT acquired the main part of The Folly in 1996 and the north range in 2010. Successive phases of conservation have secured the building and enabled it to serve as a museum, community venue and focal point for the Trust’s work.
