The historic Fonthill Castle in Doylestown, once the home of Henry Chapman Mercer, is currently undergoing a comprehensive survey of the condition of its facade thanks to a grant received through the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission’s Keystone Historic Preservation Grant program, writes Jeff Werner for the Patch.

The project, which is partly funded by a contribution from the Rapaport Family Charitable Trust, aims to explore the state of the original stucco on the exterior of the castle and stucco that was later applied as part of patching efforts.

“Fonthill Castle is a prominent and much-loved landmark in Doylestown and Central Bucks County,” said Cory Amsler, Vice President of Collections & Interpretation at the Bucks County Historical Society, which operates the castle.

“As custodians for the artistic and architectural legacy of Henry Mercer, we wish to ensure Fonthill Castle’s long-term preservation and its aesthetic appearance as Mercer intended.”

The survey project “is another step toward that goal,” he added.

Most of the work is scheduled for February. The work is being performed by architectural conservators from the Philadelphia-based Heritage Conservation Collective.

Depending on the results of the survey, two test patches or restorations will be applied afterward.

Read more about Fonthill Castle’s preservation efforts in the Patch.

Explore Henry Chapman Mercer’s Mercer Museum & Fonthill Castle – You Oughta Know