For the love of Brancepeth

I had not intended to share another castle with you today, in the midst of my castle trilogy of walks, but the owners of Brancepeth Castle touched me deeply.  How can such a monumental castle remain so unknown?  And how much more effort can a man and wife put into the preservation of their home?  Had it not been for the Heritage Open Day events, I should never have known this story.

Brancepeth is a tiny and delightful village, just 5 miles south-west of Durham City.  A Norman castle was built here, on a fine lookout point across the valley.  It was rebuilt by the Neville family in the late 14th century, then confiscated by the Crown, in 1569, for their involvement in the Rising of the North.  A succession of owners followed, the last major restoration at the hands of the architect Anthony Salvin in the mid-19th century.  The castle has never seen conflict, but in 1939 became the headquarters of the Durham Light Infantry.  They left in 1962.  And then the current poignant phase of the castle’s history began.

In 1978, Margaret Dobson, wife of publisher Dennis Dobson, bought the castle to store the company’s stock of books, the lease on their Notting Hill property having expired.  Her husband died before the move north, but she and her 7 children inhabited the castle.  Mrs. Dobson did much to restore fabric and interiors but, you can imagine, such a property is a money pit.  The lead roof had been stripped by a previous tenant.  The resourceful lady refurbished the main function rooms to generate income from craft fairs and auctions.  Shakespearean plays were staged in the courtyard, and rooms let to students at Durham University.  Since her death, aged 86, in October 2014, family have carried on the work as best they can.  Her daughter, who led the tour, explained that metal supports had been used in the most recent restoration.  The rusting of these necessitated rebuilding, at the cost of £86,000 for just one of the vital towers.

The building is astounding. Everything from the huge chapel to original medieval vaults below ground.  The contrast between the beauty I’ve shown you, and the incredible amount of work still to be done couldn’t be greater.  Ceilings and paintwork peel, draughty corridors and flights of stairs proliferate.  But the building is loved, and nurtured, by a couple no longer young, but dedicated.  I wish them well.  Please go and attend one of their events, if you can.

The cause must have its champions up and down the country, but none is more committed than Becky.  As another Heritage Open Day weekend begins, join her In the Pink, and then get yourself out and find something interesting in your area.

83 comments

  1. Thanks for this Jo – glad you enjoyed your visit. All 7 of the family (and their children) are very much involved in the castle ‘project’ – all that free manpower really helps even if there isn’t the huge pot of money! We are getting a schedule of tours put together, and for those who would like a longer visit to the area we have a holiday let flat available for short stays. All the income from these and the other events at the castle goes towards the maintenance and development of the building. More information about these can be found on our website brancepethcastle.org.uk

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    1. Brilliant! Thanks so much for commenting, James. I hoped you wouldn’t mind my intrusion into your family home, and I’m so glad the whole family is involved. I should maybe have lingered longer, to chat, but you were both busy, with another tour imminent. 🙂

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  2. I think you do a service to remind us that a wonderful castle such as this is also a life-long undertaking of maintenance. Very expensive maintenance! It’s a remarkable beauty, however, and so worth whatever it takes to preserve it for future generations. I certainly wish them well, too! 🙂

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    1. I’ve had a couple of communications from the family since publishing this, Debbie, and they are grateful for any publicity that might bring custom their way. Having got this far, I’m sure they will continue. 🙂 🙂

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  3. Thanks for highlighting this beautiful castle, Jo. I guess caring for this castle is more than a lifetime job. Does the government provide any assistance, financial or otherwise?
    That must have been one giant book collection, necessitating the purchase of a castle! Thanks again for this tour.

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    1. There is probably grant aid, on a competitive basis, Draco, but I don’t know if they would qualify. That’s why the Heritage Open Days is a great scheme. It brings attention, and possibly investment, to places like this. You have to wonder how many there are! 🙂 🙂 And yes, it does take a leap of the imagination! Desperation is a powerful motivator.

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  5. I wouldn’t want to live in a castle. All those stone staircases for one! It is not surprising that so many of these buildings end up in the arms of the National Trust. You have to have deep pockets and good marketing skills to maintain them. Or the same sort of crowds that St Michael’s Mount attracts. Heaving as usual today. Thought I’d slip in before they close the garden at the end of the month.

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      1. I guess. But the place is much busier than it was only a few years ago. Thought of Cathy as I walked over the causeway. Must be a fair way along now if she is doing 15km a day.

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      2. It seems to be going well for her, though physically demanding. She’s managing to post half a dozen photos and a paragraph or two on Facebook every day. Meeting some nice people. 🙂 Sending her backpack on ahead to save the knees.

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      3. That is good to know. I am sure we will find one or two in Europe and we will be in Scotland as well. Missed out on Stirling Castle last time. Got there too late as they were just closing the gates.

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  19. I would definitely support this well-deserved restoration if I were a trifle nearer. I’ve forwarded your post to various friends who could make the journey. But will they? The heart may be more than willing but age causes the spirit to flounder!

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  20. You think owning a castle must be like living in a fairytale, but more likely it is quite a financial and emotional drain. They must love the place very much . X

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