News - Smart new look for historic site (Rotherham)

A HISTORIC South Yorkshire landmark dating back to the 18th century is undergoing an £860,000 restoration programme to provide better access for visitors.

Grade II-listed Boston Castle in Rotherham has stood since 1776 when it was built as a shooting lodge for the Earl of Effingham, a keen supporter of the American Independence movement.

It is now halfway through a programme funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Rotherham Council and Biffaward, which is due to be completed in March.

The Earl named the former shooting lodge in honour of the Boston Tea Party, the catalyst revolt against a tax on tea imposed by the British that led eventually to the formation of an independent United States of America. The Earl banned the drinking of tea in protest.

The project is being carried out by building restoration firm William Anelay, Paul Hewitt Architects and other conservation consultants on behalf of Rotherham Council and the Friends of Boston Castle.

Semi-derelict and unused for the past decade, the castle is in Boston Park with views over the Rother and Don valleys.

A two-storey extension will be built to give access to the castle’s various levels and the 18th century battlements and windows will receive extensive attention.

The restoration will also transform the castle into an event space, illuminated at night-time, that will be commercially available for hire for local groups and businesses.

Coun Amy Rushworth, Rotherham Council cabinet member for lifelong learning and culture, and chairman of the Boston Castle project board, said: “The castle is of historic importance to Rotherham.

“It is a major landmark which deserves to be restored to its former glory. It will be splendid to see its regeneration as it will be hugely valuable in terms of educational activities.”

From: http://www.thestar.co.uk/community/green-scene/smart_new_look_for_historic_site_1_4075807

 

News - Historic castle gets an £860,000 facelift (Rotherham)

An historic landmark, which dates back to the 18th century, is undergoing an £860,000 restoration programme to provide better access for visitors.

Grade two listed Boston Castle in Rotherham, which was completed in 1776 by the Earl of Effingham who was a keen supporter of the American Independence movement at the time, is half way through a refurbishment programme funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Rotherham Council and Biffaward.

It is due to be completed in March 2012.

The Earl named the former shooting lodge in honour of the Boston Tea Party, the catalyst revolt against a tax on tea imposed by the British that led eventually to the formation of an independent United States of America.

The Earl actually banned the drinking of tea in protest.

The project is being carried out by building restoration firm William Anelay, Paul Hewitt Architects and other conservation consultants on behalf of Rotherham Council and the Friends of Boston Castle.

Semi-derelict and unused for the past decade, the castle is situated in Boston Park with views over the Rother and Don valleys.

A two-storey extension will be built to give access to the castle’s various levels and the 18th century battlements and windows will receive extensive attention.

The restoration will also transform the castle into an event space, illuminated at night-time, that will be commercially available for hire for local groups and businesses.

Coun Amy Rushworth, cabinet member for Lifelong Learning and Culture and chairman of the Boston Castle Project Board, said: “The castle is of historic importance to Rotherham.

“It is a major landmark which deserves to be restored to its former glory. It will be splendid to see its regeneration as it will be hugely valuable in terms of educational activities.”

From: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/business/business-news/historic_castle_gets_an_860_000_facelift_1_4061013

News - Castle to undergo cut-price restoration after deal agreed (Rotherham)

A RESTORATION project to transform the 18th-century Boston Castle in Rotherham is set to move forward, after being scaled down owing to funding pressures.

Semi-derelict and out of use for a decade, the castle dates back to 1775 and was built by the Earl of Effingham as a hunting lodge.

A £1.7m scheme to renovate the castle was signed off last year, with the Heritage Lottery Fund providing £600,000 towards the project and Rotherham Council putting up the rest.

However, owing to budget cuts, Rotherham Council has now agreed a revised scheme which will see the authority contribute £600,000 rather than £1.1m towards the restoration. The work will see repairs carried out and a new visitors’ centre built.

The battlements will be reinstated, the windows repaired and the courtyard transformed into a space for outdoor events.

Coun Ian St John, Rotherham Council’s cabinet member for culture and sport, said: “I am delighted that the scheme can go ahead – albeit a scaled down version of the original.

“The castle is of historic importance to Rotherham. It is an absolute gem – a major landmark, which deserves to be restored to its former glory. It will be splendid to see its regeneration go ahead.”

Work is set to begin in August and Boston Castle could be open to the public by next spring.

From: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/around-yorkshire/local-stories/castle_to_undergo_cut_price_restoration_after_deal_agreed_1_3217423