Since King John strolled in the grounds of his Knaresborough Castle in the 12th century, the paths surrounding it have been made from a number of materials – anything from ash to stone.
With a funding pot of over £60,000 the paths are to be re-laid to complement the Castle’s stonework and at the same time make them fit for the modern visitor. Knaresborough Castle is a very popular heritage site and it is reputed that the view from the battlements across the River Nidd is one of the country’s most photographed and painted.
The project will be carried out by specialists A E Duffield and Sons Limited who have extensive experience in working on historic settings.
The man responsible for the castle grounds, Patrick Kilburn, Head of Parks and Open Spaces, for Harrogate Borough Council, said this is very much a joint effort
Patrick added:
We are extremely grateful to those who have added to the funding pot particularly WREN* who have given us a grant of £35,000. The Borough Council is contributing over £26,000 and Knaresborough Town Council is helping with a grant of nearly £5,000. We have also had a contribution of £1000 from Knaresborough Lions.
Historical records show that King John took a particular interest in Knaresborough and he spent, £1290 on works at the castle, including the excavation or enlargement of the moat. That must have been a huge sum of money in the 12th century.
Tarmac will be laid in the first phase and once it cures and the oils settle, the contractor will return and lay a decorative finish over the top.
The contract, which has scheduled monument consent from English Heritage, will start the first week in May and it is expected to be completed by July. The castle grounds and the museum will remain open during the works although some footpaths will have to be diverted. The castle top games in parks, including crown green bowling and pitch and putt, will still be available during the works.
