Hartlebury Castle issues funding plea
A picturesque castle has welcomed visitors back into its grounds in a bid to raise funds to save it from closure.
Hartlebury Castle was the home of the Bishops of Worcester for over 1000 years.
In 2007 there was a risk that the castle and surrounding land would be sold for development, but it was saved when local people came together to form the Hartlebury Castle Preservation Trust who bought the site and, in 2018, opened it as a visitor attraction.
The castle is under threat once again due to lockdown, with the Trust losing income from admission fees, room hires, the shop and café and dozens of events having to be cancelled.
On Friday, June 19, the gardens and grounds were opened by volunteers.
They are open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 4pm, until further notice, entrance is free but donations are welcome.
The devastating loss of income poses a real threat to the survival of the castle.
Trustees of the site have launched a Crowd Funding Campaign which runs until July 8.
A number of individuals and local businesses have already pledged their support.
Karen Bastock, who runs luxury cottages The Nest at Winnall, said: "We always recommend Hartlebury Castle to our guests during their stays here.
"It would be devastating to lose such a fantastic local resource which attracts both young and old and plays such a vital part in our cultural and tourism economy.”
The castle building will not open until Government guidelines permit it is safe to do so and measures will be put into place to protect staff and visitors.
To donate to the appeal visit the Crowdfunding website.
