conservatory isnext big target

In June 2008, the Wentworth Castle Trust applied for 5m of grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund to revamp both the glasshouse and walled kitchen garden, but this bid was turned down.

Now, the charity and the Friends of Wentworth Castle are trying to raise 1m towards the estimated 3.7m cost of revamping the Victorian conservatory, which was built in 1877 for Frederick William Thomas Vernon-Wentworth.

If this amount of money is raised, the trust can then apply for further Heritage Lottery funding of 2.7m.

A public fundraising scheme launched last year, to try and enable the restoration of the glasshouse, has included ventures such as asking people to sponsor a pane of glass.

More details about the restoration projects at Wentworth Castle Gardens is available by calling 01226 776040.