Broadcaster, author and actor Stephen Fry has visited Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire, now a museum to its former secret use during World War II as an intelligence centre – it is where the German Enigma Code was cracked. He admired the newly renovated building and, not least, two new Guardian Griffins carved in Stoke Ground Bath stone by Michelle Brown of Cambridge masons Rattee & Kett.

The new Griffins, which flank the main entrance to Bletchley Park, are replicas of the originals and were specially commissioned by the Bletchley Park Trust as part of their programme of conservation works, which have been supported by both English Heritage and Milton Keynes Council.

Rattee & Kett, part of the Stonewest Group, were also contracted to work on the brickwork, render and timber elements of the old mansion.

Post war, when the Official Secrets Act forbad any information about the purpose of Bletchley Park and its hundreds of code breakers, the property was allowed to fall into disrepair. It was even being considered for demolition to make way for housing development.

It was saved by a few spirited individuals who started an awareness campaign to save the building and its contents for posterity. The Bletchley Park Trust was formed and works to promote the historic relevance of the building.

Master carver Michelle Brown said: “It was a great honour to be asked to recreate the Bletchley Guardian Griffins. They stand in such a prominent position – we hope they will engender as much public adoration as Stephen Fry.”