A collection of grade II* listed Georgian garden buildings in the grounds of Ripley Castle has been removed from the Heritage at Risk Register after more than 20 years.
The register, compiled annually by the public body Historic England, lists historic places at risk of being lost as a result of neglect, decay or inappropriate development.
In a press release today, Historic England said its grants of over £440,000 had helped fund extensive repair work to the orangery (palm house) fire engine house and adjoining pavilions and bothies (potting sheds) in the grounds of the 15th-century castle.
Ripley castle gardens. Pic Historic England
It added they will be used for education and volunteer activities with school children and the local community, including visits and outdoor theatre.
Sir Thomas Ingilby, owner of Ripley Castle, said:
“I’m extremely grateful to Historic England for the help and support over many years which have helped to repair these handsome historic garden buildings which 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. It will also provide educational and leisure opportunities for local schools and groups.”
Ripley Castle. Pic Historic England
The garden buildings are thought to have been designed around 1785 by York-born architect William Belwood.
In 1817-18, a glass roof was added to the orangery to convert it into a palm house. Designed to grow tropical plants, palm houses were a popular status symbol in the 19th century.
The fire engine house is still home to the hand-pulled fire engine which helped protect the castle and village, while a collection of giant ferns now lives in the orangery.
Repair work, which started during the pandemic, included replacing the iron frameworks for the orangery, as well as removing the balustrades, replacing the glass and masonry.
The Temple of Victory at Allerton Park and the Church of St James in Baldersby, which are both in the Harrogate district, have also been removed from the register.
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