Medieval castle and historic garden to get lottery £2m for improvements

Conisbrough Castle, in Doncaster, is set to receive £900,000 while the Scampston Conservatory Restoration and Learning Centre in Ryedale, north Yorkshire, will receive £1m.

The head of the Heritage Lottery Fund for Yorkshire and the Humber, Fiona Spiers, said: “This investment is exciting news for Doncaster and Ryedale, as we see two of Yorkshire’s much-loved heritage sites brought to life and back to the heart of their communities.

“A rare medieval castle, and a gem of Victorian garden design will now offer exciting opportunities for people of all ages to get involved in the heritage on their doorstep while these special places are conserved and protected for future generations.”

Improvements planned for Conisbrough Castle, which will include the creation of a new visitors’ centre, aim to turn the 12th century Grade I listed building into a “premier heritage attraction”. Doncaster Council and English Heritage will run the project at the castle, which was made famous by featuring in Sir Walter Scott’s novel Ivanhoe.

Meanwhile, works at the Victorian conservatory in the grounds of Grade II listed Scampston Hall will save it from “certain collapse” in a project that will “restore the historic structure to its former glory”.

Once renovated, the conservatory – built on a heated brick wall and currently missing its wings and many architectural details – will be put to use for heritage and education activities for schools and local groups.

The new centre will see the conservatory interior divided by sliding screens into three main public areas for visitors.