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 and was cited by English Heritage as one of the 16 highest priority buildings at risk in England.

The medieval seat of the Astleys, the castle was later owned by the Grey family, of which Lady Jane Grey was a member. A licence to crenellate (fortify the building) was obtained in 1266. The structure that survives today has been much altered over the centuries resulting in a complicated building history and it is now ruinous and largely unroofed.

The Landmark Trust’s plans to rescue Astley Castle are felt to be the final hope for the building’s survival.

“For the past 30 years the castle has gradually deteriorated to the sad state we see it in today,” said Peter Pearce, Director of the Landmark Trust. “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.”

Costing a total of £2.2 million the Landmark Trust 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.

For more information about the Landmark Trust see
www.landmarktrust.org.uk