Tour of recent works at Belsay Hall, Northumberland

Built by the de Middletons, Belsay castle is a tower house dating from the 14th century, to which the same family added a manor house in the early 17th century. Despite extensive remodelling in the mid-nineteenth century it subsequently fell into disuse.

Having returned from a honeymoon tour of Germany and Greece, in 1807 Sir Charles Monck (born Middleton) abandoned the castle in favour of building anew to his own designs clearly influenced by the classical and neo-classical architecture he had seen and sketched on his travels. The result is the austere but beautifully proportioned Belsay Hall, an essay in the then not-quite-yet-fashionable Greek Doric style. The quality of its (sandstone) masonry set a new standard both regionally and nationally.

With its medieval castle, Grecian hall and 30-acre Grade I-listed gardens, Belsay is a jewel in the North East. However, in recent years time had begun to take its toll. Consequently English Heritage launched the 'Belsay Awakes' project in autumn 2021 to conserve this historic site.

The ancient masonry of the Castle was in desperate need of repair. In the classical Hall the unique architectural design had caused damp issues for over two hundred years, while in the gardens much of the original planting material had been lost.

The two-year conservation project was completed in August 2023. The castle's medieval stonework was repaired and the hall's original roof replaced. The dilapidated 18th Century Coach House was transformed into a family friendly café, powered by renewable energy sources. An adventure playground was created within the woodland with an outdoor classroom and new interpretation across the site. In addition, the gardens were brought back to their best, maintaining their historic character and restoring previously lost historic views along Crag Wood's scenic walk.

This was an opportunity not to be missed as we had been specially invited to tour the site to view the recent works, guided by Cheryl Moore of English Heritage.

Further information is included on the booking form which was circulated to members.

The tour commenced at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday 10th April 2024, with the option, if this tour was fully booked (limited to a group of 15) of another arranged to commence at 2:00 p.m. on the same day.

Belsay is approximately 14 miles north-west of Newcastle on the A696. Transport to and from the site is to be by members' own means - public transport is not available. There is ample free parking on site. For SatNav use NE20 0DU.

There was no charge for this tour, although donations can always be made towards the work of English Heritage.