Northumberland garden to be restored

The gardens surrounding Belsay Hall in Northumberland are being rejuvenated, the hall’s roof repaired and an outdoor classroom created in a £5.5m restoration that starts this spring.

One of English Heritage’s most popular properties in the Northeast, Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens was created by the Middleton family over seven centuries. The 14th-century pele tower has a Jacobean mansion wing addition and an elegant classical Greek revival villa designed in 1807 by Sir Charles Monck (formerly Middleton).

A pioneering plantsman, Sir Charles created 20 acres of gardens surrounding the castle and hall. His grandson, Sir Arthur Middleton, continued his work, filling the quarry garden with exotic species and adding the winter garden, yew garden and magnolia terrace.

“This project aims to restore lost views and garden features, design and rejuvenate the important plant collection, as well as providing opportunities for apprentices and volunteers to be part of the revival of one of the North-east’s great gardens,” said John Watkins, English Heritage’s head of gardens.

The project is funded by a £1.88m grant from the National Lottery with support from the Garfield Weston Foundation, the Foyle Foundation and other donors.

The first phase of the work is expected to be completed in 2021, the second in

2022. Belsay Hall will remain open during the 2020 season while the conservation programme is underway.