News

Northern Rock Foundation supports University plan for Durham Castle restoration

(28 June 2004)

The University of Durham and the Northern Rock Foundation are delighted to announce that the Foundation is making an award of £450,000 towards restoration work at Durham Castle.

The award means that, with matching funding from the University itself, the first important phase in a long-term repair and conservation programme can go ahead on the roof structure on the oldest part of the building. The Castle is one of the North East's most prominent landmarks, and, together with the Cathedral, forms a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Vice-Chancellor Sir Kenneth Calman, said: "This is a tremendous demonstration of support for the heritage of the region, and we thank the Northern Rock Foundation very warmly for their award. It is a very timely and important gift which we hope will prove to be a key towards the attraction of further support from other sources. We will welcome interest from the rest of the region and beyond."

Sir David Chapman, a Trustee of Northern Rock Foundation, said: "The Foundation is the first external funder to get behind this project, and we are very pleased to do so. The Castle is one of the major architectural treasures of Europe and an instantly recognisable symbol of the North East. Our investment gives the restoration work the initial boost it needs, and the profile that will help bring other investors on board."

The grant is made under the Foundation's Culture Capital Programme, which provides assistance to significant, ambitious and high-quality proposals for new or refurbished buildings for arts, environmental, heritage or sporting organisations. Although the majority of its resources directly target social and economic disadvantage, the Foundation's Trustees recognise the importance of cultural projects that bring visitors, jobs and investment to the region, and which improve the quality of life of people living here. Since 1997 it has invested £11.4 million in high profile arts, heritage, environment and sporting schemes.

The project will begin later this year. It involves major conservation work to the leaky roof, installed in 1840, above the Castle's Norman Gallery and the wing with the oldest parts of the building that date back to the 1070s. The original roof was 12th century (around 1160). Age and weathering mean that both slates and stonework are decaying and that water gets in and undermines the wooden structure inside. Restoration will minimise further damage to the internal walls, ceilings, floors and contents in an area which is a main part of the visitor tour of the Castle.

The University has drawn up its plans in recognition of its important role as custodian of a prominent piece of public heritage. The longer-term £7million restoration project for all the roofs and eroding sandstone walls will be combined with exciting and imaginative improvements to public access and interpretation initiatives including a free public exhibition at Palace Green Library, and a webcam on the Castle roof. The existing public tours, given by student residents of University College which is housed in Durham Castle, were provided for more than 30,000 visitors last year. When possible, there could also be roof tours to appropriate special interest groups.

Durham Castle was previously a home and seat of administration for the former Prince Bishops of Durham until 1837 when it was provided as accommodation for the University, then only five years old. It is the oldest building in the UK used for student accommodation, with105 of the college's current students living there. It is also an important regional venue for tourists, conferences, weddings and other functions.

Professor Maurice Tucker, Master of University College, who is also a former student at the College, added: "We are very keen to restore Durham Castle and increase access to the buildings that include 15th century kitchens still in daily use, the amazing Norman Arch, the Senate Rooms where judges for the old Assizes Courts used to live, and the Norman Chapel. The £450k grant is a wonderful start to our campaign to raise £7m. Much more investment will now be needed to complete this ambitious and worthwhile project."

Notes for editors

1. The Castle restoration project is part of a campaign by the University to increase its capital resource by £175m. Other projects include academic developments and improvements in the student experience.

2. Durham Castle was founded in 1072 and has been in continuous occupation ever since.

3. It features some of Europe's most outstanding Norman architecture and is an iconic building in the North East.

4. In the 1930s the Castle was saved from sliding into the river by major foundations repairs funded by public appeal.

5. It was a fortress and administrative seat to the Princes Bishop of Durham, churchmen with established political power and office.

6. Durham Castle and the Cathedral form the city of Durham's World Heritage Site. It was constituted in 1986 on the basis that its value to society is so great that its protection is the responsibility of all mankind�

7. Other World Heritage Sites include the Taj Mahal, Hadrian�s Wall and the Palace at Versailles.

Further information

Adrian Beney, University Development Office: 0191 334 6302
Keith Seacroft. University Public Relations Office: 0191 334 6074
Rob Williamson, Deputy Director, Northern Rock Foundation: 0191 284 8412