Thirlwall Castle : Funding the Project

An award of £14,800 from the Heritage Lottery Fund and a grant of £7,500 from the EU Regional Development Fund were used to undertake a feasibility study as a first step to safeguarding Thirlwall Castle.

The feasibility study included:

• an accurate photographic record of every stone and feature
• architectural plans for stabilisation and consolidation of the masonry
• removing of damaging tree growth
• a comprehensive ecological survey of the castle and surrounding land
• the negotiation of a long-term lease from the landowners
• proposals for public access and interpretation

This study formed the basis of the application for further funding by Northumberland National Park Authority to the Heritage Lottery Fund and the EU for funding to carry out the conservation work required to preserve Thirlwall Castle. Northumberland National Park Authority gained £0.45 million pounds of funding from these two sources to carry out the project.