Decision on castle sale due in weeks

The fate of Hartlebury Castle could be decided as soon as the end of this month, it was revealed today.

Three bidders are thought to be involved in the battle for the castle near Kidderminster after the Church Commissioners which owns it decided it was surplus to their requirements.

Two private bidders and the Hartlebury Castle Preservation Trust, a charity that wants to see the castle retained as a tourist attraction, are in the running to buy the £3.5million property.

It has never been put up for sale on the open market but instead all offers have been conducted in private.

A decision over the preferred buyer is due by the end of this month, English Heritage revealed today.

Worcestershire County Museum is currently based in the former servants quarters at the castle. The museum leases the buildings from the church on a long-term basis. Hartlebury Castle was home to the Bishops of Worcester for at least 800 years.