05
May
Essential work on Knaresborough Castle to finally start, says campaigning councillor
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Work to stop Knaresborough Castle deteriorating further is finally due to begin, according to town councillor.
Cllr Matt Walker took to Facebook this afternoon (May 5) to post an update on the council’s five‑year plan for the castle.
Campaigners have been lobbying for some time for essential maintenance work to begin on the castle, which is owned by the Duchy of Lancaster and managed by North Yorkshire Council. In September, they even set up an online petition to ‘Save Knaresborough Castle’.
In his Facebook post, Cllr Walker wrote:
Last week I met with the council’s deputy chief executive, and this week with the Duchy at the castle itself.
I’m pleased to confirm that, over the coming weeks, planned maintenance and repairs will begin in earnest.
The first major works will focus on the clearance of vegetation, whichis making parts of the main keep and historic perimeter walls unstable and unsafe. This work, which is expected to involve a specialist team using climbing equipment, is scheduled to start from late June and will help protect the historic stonework while improving the overall condition of the site.
Overgrown vegetation obscures the view of the viaduct.
Cllr Walker, who sits on Knaresborough Town Council and also represents the Knaresborough West division on North Yorkshire Council, has been campaigning since he was elected in 2022 for the castle’s maintenance and safety issues to be fixed.
In his post, he also said a specialist conservation consultant had been appointed, and they will be producing a Conservation Management Plan, working closely with Historic England.
He added:
This plan will guide the long‑term protection, maintenance and future improvements of the Castle, helping to ensure it is properly cared for and preserved for generations to come.
I look forward to celebrating the Castle's 900th birthday in 2030.
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