THE PUBLIC are set to catch a rare glimpse of an 18th century folly which is to be excavated so more of its secrets can be revealed.

Rustic Cottage is one of several lost garden buildings at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal World Heritage Site near Ripon, North Yorkshire.

On weekends of September 10 and 11, and September 17 and 18, archaeologists will be excavating the remains of the cottage at the National Trust property.

The garden buildings, known as follies, were often used in 18th century gardens as eye-catchers to surprise visitors and enhance views.

William Aislabie, politician and landscape designer, was the son of John Aislabie of Studley Royal, believed to be born in either 1699 or 1700.

In 1721, William took the family seat in Parliament, which he held until his death in 1781.

Between 1742 and 1781, William extended his father's work at Studley Royal by creating the Chinese gardens in the Valley of Seven Bridges. He also developed a series of follies, grottoes, views and waterfalls at his father’s other estate at Hackfall, North Yorkshire.

Currently little is known about the folly; Rustic Cottage is thought to have been built by William Aislabie as he set out to join up the estates of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, having purchased Fountains Abbey from the Messenger family of Fountains Hall in 1767.

Sarah France, World Heritage Site co-ordinator, said: “Above ground, only a small fraction of the cottage building still stands and very few images remain of the folly.

“The Picturesque style was fashionable in the late 18th century and images show that Rustic Cottage was built in this style, constructed using rubble from the ruins of the abbey and cobbles assumed to be from nearby fields.

“During the excavation archaeologists hope to discover more about the design of the building, how it looked inside and what Rustic Cottage might have been used for - if there is anything left underground at all.

“What is known about the cottage is that, unusually, it was home to several estate workers from the 1860s onwards.”

Visitors can see the dig on a viewing platform at weekends Saturday 10 to Sunday 18 September, 10am to 5pm and hear more from National Trust archaeologist Mark Newman at talks throughout the day. Throughout autumn staff are working on several conservation projects and restoring historic views.

Entry to the estate is free of charge on Saturday, September 10 in honour of Heritage Open Days, a national heritage festival which celebrates England’s history and architecture. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountainsabbey.