Volunteers sought to tell visitors about castle’s history

A total of £1.2m will be spent refurbishing the castle, which was built originally as a hunting lodge by the Earl of Effingham in 1776. The grounds were opened in 1876 to mark the first centenary of the American Declaration of Independence – and included cricket and croquet pitches, a bowling green and football ground.

Rotherham Council will be training volunteers through Dearne Valley College, with a course that results in an NVQ level 3 module.

Once the work is completed, council officials hope Boston Castle will become a centre from which people can explore both the building’s heritage as well the surrounding park and woodlands.

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.

Janet Worrall, secretary of the Friends of Boston Park group, said: “This is a brilliant opportunity to help visitors, both local or from further afield, to discover or rediscover the history surrounding this important site.

“Boston Castle and Boston Park are both grade II-listed and in their own way both have been very important to Rotherham’s heritage since 1776, when Boston Castle was built.

“One hundred years later in 1876, Boston Park became Rotherham’s first public park and has been popular ever since.

“The tour guide training will enable volunteers to learn about the history of the building and how it has evolved over the years.

“It will also allow us to separate the myths from the facts in relation to the naming of Boston Castle by the Earl of Effingham. The training will then enable volunteers to pass on this and other stories to visitors in an informed and interesting way.”

Volunteers are also being sought to help in other ways, such as organising events and helping with school trips.