June 25th 2008

Astley Castle in Warwickshire is one step closer to being saved by the Landmark Trust following the news that the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has given a pledge of support for a grant of £1.47million.

Dating back to the 1200s and of significant national importance to our heritage, Astley Castle is in a severe state of disrepair. Often laying claim to the title ‘the home of three Queens of England’ the castle has lain derelict since it was devastated by fire in 1978. Cited by English Heritage as one of the 16 highest priority buildings at risk in England the Landmark Trust’s plans to rescue Astley Castle are felt to be the final hope for the building’s survival.

The project will cost a total of £2.2 million and Landmark is developing a fundraising campaign to secure the remaining funds.  English Heritage have confirmed a grant this week towards emergency stabilisation work which will be started later this year to stop the building deteriorating further.  The £1.47million HLF pledge is stage one of a two stage process.*  Plans for the project are being developed further by Landmark and it is hoped that confirmation of a grant from the HLF will be announced in Spring 2009.

At risk of collapse, Astley Castle has concerned the Landmark Trust for many years but it has remained determined to find a solution to the building’s plight.  Its perilous state means that a normal conservation solution is no longer possible so Landmark proposes to insert exciting, modern accommodation into the ruined walls of the castle.  This will allow the building to be used and enjoyed once again so that it never again falls into disrepair.

The project will also include a learning programme with local schools, eight annual public open days with interpretation and special activities, in addition to improvements to parkland routes and signage.

Peter Pearce, Director of the Landmark Trust said, “For the past 30 years the castle has gradually deteriorated to the sad state we see it in today.  This marvellous news from the Heritage Lottery Fund brings us closer to our vision of giving the building a future and allowing many thousands of people each year to experience it.  This site has witnessed events over the past 1,000 years.  We must find a way to save it and will work closely with the HLF to make this a reality.”

Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund for the West Midlands, Anne Jenkins said: ““We are delighted to be able to support Astley Castle. It is a much-loved historic landmark in North Warwickshire in dire need of help before it is lost forever. There is now a clear strategy to save this damaged and neglected "at risk" historic building and give it an impressive mix of educational, social and community uses .The support of the Heritage Lottery Fund will ensure that the building can be enjoyed by everyone as they learn about their past for many years to come.”

Tim Johnston, English Heritage Regional Director for the West Midlands added: “The Landmark Trust has come up with an innovative scheme that will breathe new life into this significant historic building at risk.  We are delighted that it has the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and that English Heritage is also able to support the project with a grant of £300,000 which will go towards emergency repair work. “

The project to save Astley Castle will cost a total of £2.2 million but the Landmark Trust must raise the remaining £408,000 before work can start. Landmark is urgently seeking donations towards the project so that restoration work can start as quickly as possible before the building deteriorates further.

The restored castle will provide many opportunities for people to visit the site to learn more about the history of this important building.  There will be information, guided tours and walks created, and local people will be encouraged to get involved throughout the duration of the project.

Notes to editors:

Astley Castle
Astley Castle is often described as ‘the home of three queens of England’: Elizabeth Woodville, Elizabeth of York and Lady Jane Grey.
The site is a Schedule Ancient Monument and the building is listed Grade II*.  Astley Castle is on English Heritage’s Buildings at Risk register with the highest level of risk.
Astley Castle was the medieval seat of the Astleys and later owned by the Grey family, of which Lady Jane Grey was a member. A licence to crenellate was obtained in 1266.
The structure that survives today has been much altered over the centuries resulting in a complicated building history. The Castle was extensively damaged by a fire in 1978 and it is now ruinous and largely unroofed.

The Landmark Trust
The Landmark Trust is a national building preservation charity which rescues and restores buildings at risk and makes them available to stay in and experience. Website: www.landmarktrust.org.uk

The Heritage Lottery Fund
Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage.  HLF has supported more than 26,000 projects, allocating over £4billion across the UK, with over £290 million going to projects in the West Midlands. Website: www.hlf.org.uk.
 *A ‘Stage One Pass’ means that money has been earmarked by HLF for the project in question. Competition at this stage is tough, and while a Stage One Pass does not guarantee funding, it is an indication of positive support, and money for the scheme is set aside. The applicant can then progress to Stage Two and submit a further, fully developed application to secure the full grant.  On occasion, at Stage One, funding will also be awarded towards the development of the scheme.