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Sept
Gathering marks start of Save Knaresborough Castle campaign
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A photoshoot was held at Knaresborough Castle on Saturday (September 27) to mark the start of a campaign to save the medieval fortress from “decades of underfunding” and neglect.
The view from the castle is one of the most famous in Yorkshire but it is being ruined by uncontrolled tree growth.
There are also concerns about the state of the castle itself, with weeds growing out of the walls and uneven paths.
The obscured view of the viaduct.
The Stray Ferret reported this month that Knaresborians Kathy Allday and Liz Baxendale were starting a petition calling for investment in the castle. They organised the weekend photoshoot to highlight the campaign.
The petition, which you can see here, has so far received 1,400 online signatures and 200 paper ones. It says:
Knaresborough Castle has a wonderful history and is a special place for visitors and residents alike whether to walk around its grounds, to participate in local events or to enjoy one of the best views in England. But today, this magnificent symbol of our heritage faces threats from neglect and underfunding.
The castle is in a very poor state of repair causing erosion of its structure and obscuring the famous views from sastle top. The castle’s deterioration jeopardises economic contributions from tourism. If Knaresborough Castle’s decline continues ultimately it could be closed to the public which would be disastrous for the town.
Knaresborough Castle
The petition calls on North Yorkshire Council to ringfence money for the maintenance of the castle estate and come up with a restoration plan.
The council maintains the castle on behalf of the Duchy of Lancaster. It is the only council-run castle in the county.
Knaresborough town crier Mark Hunter gave a cry about the campaign, which you can watch here.
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