West Berkshire Council has said that they are 'devastated' at the damage caused after a wedding party crashed into a set of historic gates at an Elizabethan mansion in Newbury last month.

On Saturday, October 21, Rachel and James Croll were set to wed in the beauty of Shaw House which is located on the outskirts of Newbury.

Whilst making its way into the grounds, the double-decker coach carrying the guests collided with the gates and pillars at the entrance to the historical property.

The grade-II gates and wall, which limit public access to the grounds, date back to 1907 when Mrs Kathleen Farquhar built the structure to enclose the forecourt of the property.

This was after losing a High Court hearing resulting in Church Road becoming a public right of way despite her objections.

The gates have a historic place in Newbury’s history and are known throughout Berkshire as having significant relevance.

Felicity Harrison, Culture and Libraries Manager, West Berkshire Council said: “We are devastated by the damage caused to the grade II listed gates at Shaw House. We fully intend to have the gates and pillars restored to their former glory but in the meantime, we are working on clearing the area to make it safe.

“All visitors should use the main car park and there is level access from the top of that area.”

Although quite shaken, no one from the wedding party was hurt in the crash, which delayed the wedding at Shaw House by about 20 minutes.

The new Mrs Croll told the Newbury Weekly News: “I really wanted to get married at Shaw House because it’s so stunning.

There were guests coming from quite a way away so we hired the double decker coach.

“When it happened, I was a bit shaken - I took a deep breath and looked round at my family who all said: ‘Don’t worry, no one’s hurt, that’s the main thing.’

“James’ friends got out and started clearing the way so we could get to the ceremony.”

Residents have already been quick to suggest a fundraiser be started to raise money to fix the historic entrance.