Historic England has awarded a grant of £343,000 to Ripley Castle to carry out a series of much-needed repairs of its garden buildings.
The money will go towards to repairs of the Grade II listed orangery and a number of adjoining buildings in the grounds of the 15th century country house.
The Fire Engine House, pavillions and bothies, shelters, will also be repaired.
This group of garden buildings are thought to have been designed in around 1785 by York-born architect William Belwood for Sir John Ingilby.
It is hoped, once completed, the works will ensure the buildings are removed from Historic England’s heritage at risk register. Owners say this will secure the buildings for future generations.
The castle owners have said specialist craftsmen and contractors will be used to complete the works. Once repaired, the buildings will be used for educational and leisure activities.
Sir Thomas Ingilby, owner of Ripley Castle, said:
‘‘The restoration of these buildings will be a big step forward in the ambitious programme to restore the walled gardens at Ripley Castle to their former glory.
We are enormously grateful to Historic England for their help and support for this project, which will, when completed, help a lot of people to overcome the financial and mental trauma of the Covid-19 pandemic’’
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Giles Proctor from Historic England said:
“These handsome historic garden buildings form the centrepiece of Ripley Castle’s beautiful grounds. Their restoration will improve the experience of the tens of thousands of people who visit every year, as well as provide educational and leisure opportunities.”
