Heritage Grants
Date awarded
Location
Christchurch Town
Applicant
Borough of Christchurch
Award Given
£2650000
Major works were required to save this building, a rare surviving example of Romantic architecture which was damaged by fire in the 1960s.
Highcliffe Castle is Grade I listed building built in 1830 by Lord Stuart de Rothesay. It incorporates architectural fragments of historical importance that he collected, including the 16th-century oriel window from the Grande Maison des Andelys in Normandy.
This project includes major works to save the building, which was badly damaged by fire in the 1960s and was on English Heritage’s at risk register. The works included:
- comprehensive conservation of the building’s exterior and principal architectural features
- rebuilding the East Tower
- restoration and repair of the Great Hall, including the medieval stained glass Jesse Window
Without these works, this surviving example of the Romantic and picturesque architectural style was at risk of deteriorating beyond repair. Skilled craftspeople were employed to do the restoration. This castle is now a much-loved local visitor attraction.