News: Runners and riders heading to Wentworth Woodhouse

Fresh from hosting an international flower show, the grand surroundings of Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham are set to play host to two mass participation sporting events later this year.

Earlier this month, the RHS Flower Show had the Grade-I listed house as a backdrop. This popular event for gardening enthusiasts and families alike attracted thousands of visitors for the iconic floral displays, talks and tips, markets, stalls, children’s activities as well as delicious food and drink.

Next month, the Wentworth Woodhouse Grand Prix has been added to the British cycling calendar.

On Sunday August 31, Wentworth will play host to a major cycle race around the estate that starts and ends on the beautiful East Front.

The event is organised by British Cycling Yorkshire Region who have pedigree in organising key races including the Ryedale Grand Prix 19 times. Switching to South Yorkshire and working in partnership with Rotherham Council and sponsors, Grasscrete, the event, which runs from 7:30am until 6pm, will take in local roads in Barnsley and Rotherham plus a 4km stretch of private road that passes through the Wentworth Woodhouse estate.

A women's event (five laps = 60.15 miles / 96.80 kilometres) and an open event (eight laps = 97.43 miles / 156.80 kilometres) are taking place.

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Wentworth Woodhouse is also the new host of the Rotherham 10k.

Organisers, who have previously used Clifton Park and roads around the town centre for the event, recently confirmed the move.

The event is set to take place on October 5.

The race will exit the estate onto Cortworth Lane and Main Street through the village of Wentworth, looping back onto Cortworth Lane in the direction of Nether Haugh, to turn right on to the Whins in the direction of Greasbrough. A right turn back into the estate will then take runners past the lakes and up to the finish.

British Cycling Yorkshire Region website
Rotherham 10k website

Images: British Cycling

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News: Restored Camellia House at Wentworth Woodhouse wins major European heritage award

Europe’s most prestigious cultural heritage awards has given a major accolade to Rotherham country house Wentworth Woodhouse’s restored Grade II* listed Camellia House, which is home to some of the oldest surviving camellias in the Western world.

The European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards has declared the project as one of its 30 outstanding winners from 24 countries across the Continent.

The Camellia House was the only project in the UK and one of only three winners outside of the EU Creative Europe Programme, which co-funds the awards.

The building had been derelict for 50 years before a sympathetic refurbishment by heritage architects Donald Insall Associates transformed it from a roofless ruin to a public tearoom and heritage venue in 2024.

Rothbiz reported how the building was no longer on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register following the completion of a £5m restoration project.

Its nationally important camellia collection, described by horticulturists as a “library full of first editions”, was carefully tended throughout the construction process.

Europa Nostra is the most representative heritage civil society network in Europe. The awards identify and promote best practice in the conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage, stimulate an exchange of knowledge throughout Europe and increase public appreciation of Europe’s cultural heritage.

The Awards Jury, composed of 11 heritage experts from across Europe, said: “This restoration project removed The Camellia House from the Heritage At Risk register. The revival of a rare camellia collection and the integration of energy-efficient features demonstrate a balanced approach to horticultural, architectural and environmental heritage.

“By restoring cultural and social functions in an area affected by economic hardship, it contributes to regional regeneration through heritage.”

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Grade I listed Wentworth Woodhouse, built for the Marquesses of Rockingham in the 18th Century, sits in South Yorkshire, an area of social and economic deprivation.

The entire site was in a state of decay when it was bought by Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust (WWPT) in 2017 for £7m.

The Camellia House in its gardens is a historically significant building. Its north side dates from 1738 and was built as a tea room for Lady Rockingham, wife of the 1st Marquess.

It features an early 19th century orangery to the south, added to house the family’s growing collection of camellias which had recently begun to arrive from China. The rarity and age of the camellias which remain was only recently discovered.

The restoration was funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England and other contributors.

The Preservation Trust’s brief for conservation architects Donald Insall Associates was to sympathetically repair the derelict Georgian building and incorporate sustainability and energy efficiency, all while protecting the historic camellias and ensuring they continue to thrive in their newly-renovated setting.

Traditional craftsmanship and heritage conservation methods were integrated with low-carbon upgrades: breathable insulation, a rainwater harvesting system, and underfloor heating powered by a ground-source heat pump. The project has been described as setting “a new benchmark for the standards of sustainable design which can be incorporated into heritage and listed buildings.”

Sarah McLeod OBE, CEO at WWPT, said: “We are bursting with pride to be heading to Brussels to receive this highly-respected European heritage award.

“An exceptional conservation team collaborated to take our Camellia House from a roofless wreck in danger of collapsing, back to its original grace and beauty - and vastly improved its sustainability and green credentials.

“The building, and the historically-important camellias which inhabit it, now have a long and lasting future. The Camellia House is now a thriving cafe and boosting income for the Trust.”

Dorian Proudfoot, Chief Executive of Donald Insall Associates, added: “Conservation is only successful if it enables a building or place's continued use and vitality. The story of the Camellia House, an important part of a wider transformation at Wentworth Woodhouse, is an example of long-term custodianship that not only revived what was an abandoned ruin, but was also a catalyst for lasting social impact.

“It is incredibly rewarding to see our client's vision to create an inclusive, world-class destination being recognised in Europe's most prestigious heritage award.”

Wentworth Woodhouse website

Images: WWPT / Donald Insall Associates / Simon Kennedy

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News: ICA Group makes acquisition

Align Building Control, a highly renowned inspection company operating across a wide variety of construction sectors, has been sold to the Rotherham-based ICA Group.

Trading since 2012 and based in Heald Green, Greater Manchester, Align’s team of surveyors have established an impressive reputation for their vast knowledge of building regulations and relevant legislation.

The company works across the residential, commercial, healthcare, arts, hospitality, leisure, energy and industrial sectors, and is well known for its collaborative and proactive approach with clients, developers, architects and contractors.

Align now joins Cook Brown in the Building Control Services division of ICA Group, which was rebranded from Hickton Group in January 2025.

Wentworth-based ICA Group is a leading multi-disciplinary provider of site inspection and consultancy services, and has acquired Align to strengthen its shared expertise and expand its presence across England and Wales.

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Michael Clemence, Director and sole shareholder of Align, said: “Really pleased to be joining ICA Group. All of us at Align Building Control look forward to a very exciting future.”

Paul Liptrott, KBS Corporate Deal Executive, advised on the transaction and described an unusual element which needed to be overcome in the search for the ideal buyer. He said: “A lot of interested parties had to ‘park’ the exploration of the deal whilst the industry underwent some changes. They all came back to explore the opportunity simultaneously, and effectively made up for lost time in a short period. This is a rare thing to experience in the sale of a business.”

Ultimately, Paul was delighted that a suitable buyer was found for Align, offering a collaboration that will greatly benefit both companies.

“ICA Group had acquired a business marketed by KBS Corporate previously within this space and explored this opportunity as a way to build upon their existing operations,” added Paul.

“The acquisition allows Mike to work towards his retirement whilst helping to integrate the business within ICA Group.

“Anyone who meets Mike would find themselves fond of him and I personally believe ICA Group offered a great prospect for his exit plans. Obviously this is what we work towards, and this outcome is great to see.

“ICA Group is well established in the industry and this is a win for all involved.”

ICA Group website

Images: ICA Group

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News: New canvases for updated Rotherham Gallery Town

Bramley Sunnyside Junior School Year 6 pupils are contributing to a big art project in Rotherham town centre, thanks to a thought-provoking art exhibition at Wentworth Woodhouse.

The 25 youngsters, who are completing their Art Awards, were invited to the grand Rotherham country house to meet contemporary artist Ian Kirkpatrick and tour his ICONOCLASH exhibition, which is making a bold statement at the mansion until June 29.

Afterwards, they got the opportunity to make their own iconic murals. Elements will feature in a new, bold and graphic artwork Ian is creating for Rotherham town centre later this year, as part of Rotherham’s Children’s Capital of Culture festival year.

Ian’s vibrant ICONOCLASH sculptures, huge paintings and tapestries clash symbols from the past with those from the modern world. Egyptian hieroglyphics and images from Greek mythology feature alongside graffiti, emojis, instantly-recognisable cartoon characters, iconic buildings and logos.

Ian explained the messages and meanings in his work to inspire the youngsters before they headed to the mansion’s Low Drawing Room to get hands-on in a workshop funded by Place Partnerships through Arts Council England.

FLUX Rotherham, the Creative People and Places programme which co-creates community art projects and events across the borough, asked the pupils to create eight giant landscapes depicting their vision for an eco-friendly, futuristic Rotherham.

Their canvases featured iconic Rotherham buildings, landmarks and symbols alongside fantasy figures and elements of nature.

Their creations will become part of the reimagining of Rotherham’s innovative arts project Gallery Town, which will see new artworks on display at some of the town’s best-known buildings and places, including All Saints Square, the Three Cranes pub on High Street and the Civic Theatre.

Gallery Town is currently working with local children and young people to create the artworks and a new consortium led by Flux Rotherham will develop a public art trail.

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At the ICONOCLASH workshop, Isla Nattrass, Emy Graysonand Gracie Cliff created a mural promoting equality and diversity.

Said Isla, 11: “We painted a rainbow tree, a symbol of growing, in the middle of a crossroads, showing the different paths you can take in life. It’s about equality and diversity. Sometimes people aren’t treated nicely, because of the way they look, or because they are a girl, or a boy, or transgender or LGBTQIA+. We think it’s really important for everyone to feel they have a place in the world and that Rotherham is somewhere where people are included.”

Joey Murray, Leo Taylor and Archie Garrett decided to include a neon-yellow version of iconic Rotherham monument Keppel’s Column in their artwork. Said Joey, 10: We want to say that Rotherham is a comfortable and homely place and that it has lots of interesting things to see. I’ve learned a lot today. I didn’t know about Keppel’s column, and now I want to go and visit, and I’ve enjoyed exploring Wentworth Woodhouse and Ian’s art.”

Sofia Traves said: “I have loved seeing ICONOCLASH and the workshop. I love art and getting what is in my imagination down on paper. Our poster says that we are Rotherham and we are proud of it.”

Artist Ian commented: “Working with the students was an amazing experience. Their enthusiasm and curiosity is reflected in the creative, innovative iconography they designed in our workshop. I will be excited to see their work in Rotherham as part of the Gallery Town.”

Head teacher Laura Robson said:” We feel very privileged to be part of this incredible experience. Creativity is very much at the heart of our school and we are very proud of our art curriculum. Learning and working alongside Ian was an unforgettable moment for our artists to inspire their future passions.

“Creating art at the beautiful Wentworth Woodhouse was iconic and added to the extra-special dimension of the ICONOCLASH workshop. We can’t wait to see how their creations are showcased in Rotherham.”

Gallery Town website
Wentworth Woodhouse website

Images: WWPT

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News: Hotel and spa plans in for picturesque Rotherham village

A planning application has been submitted to convert a collection of agricultural buildings in a picturesque village in Rotherham into a destination hotel and spa complete with restaurant, venue space and holiday cottages.

Having drawn up a masterplan for Wentworth and surrounding farm land (around 15,000 acres,), the Fitzwilliam Wentworth Estate, has submitted its first major set of proposals which are for the site at the entrance to Wentworth Woodhouse and next to Wentworth Garden Centre, known as Home Farm.

Rothbiz revealed last year that the landowner was working up proposals showing how the Grade-II listed buildings in the green belt could be repurposed along with the demolition of modern agricultural structures and old college buildings, providing guest accommodation, hotel and spa facilities and parking in a wooded area.

The plans, drawn up by consultants at Rural Solutions, state: "The proposal will restore and enhance the historic buildings within Home Farm and will provide a long-term viable use for these assets, ensuring they have a sustainable future.

"It will enhance the experience of visiting Wentworth Woodhouse delivering tourism benefits.

"It will also deliver significant landscape and conservation enhancements to the immediate environs as well as direct and indirect employment opportunities associated with the construction and operational phases of the project."

The Threshing Barn and adjacent buildings have fallen into disrepair and are currently vacant. Converting the Grade II listed Threshing Barn will create the main entrance to Home Farm Hotel and comprise a generous light-filled double height reception with exposed brick walls, surrounded by hotel rooms and spa treatment rooms.

Cottages and historic agricultural buildings such as the farmhouse, steading stalls, potting sheds and cart sheds, would also be converted to provide accomodation.

The proposed restaurant, bar and guest lounge would be accommodated within the existing Gun Park building with designers going for "understated luxury."

Applicants say that the Powerhouse, which once provided the electricity power supply for Wentworth Woodhouse, lends itself to conversion to a large, flexible events and venue space. The historically significant Grade II listed building features a tall, tapered stone chimney,

With the barns demolished, a new build purpose built spa is proposed including pool, sauna, steam room and associated facilities.

Whilst access would remain off the B6090 Cortworth Lane, a large area of car parking (over 400 spaces) could be contained in a nearby wooded area, called Granny Clarke's Wood.

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Having sought planning advice already from Rotherham Council, applicants will need to show how the benefits outweighs the impact of what would be "innapropriate development" in the greenbelt. It is also classed as a town centre use in an out of town location.

The proposed car parking has seen the council's ecologist raise issue as it involes the felling of a number of trees to clear space in the middle of Granny Clarke's Wood north of the application site. Applicants say that the car park would also be used by visitors to Wentworth Woodhouse and the areas of redundant college buildings will be demolished and replaced by new planting.

The plans conclude; "Aspects of the proposal represent sustainable appropriate development in the Green Belt and for those elements of the development that are classed as inappropriate development it has been demonstrated that the impacts of this are clearly outweighed by other considerations.

"Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that there is tourism and economic policy support for the proposal arising from the contribution that development would make to tourism, leisure and the visitor economy.

"There is minor policy conflict resulting from the out-of-town location, however due to the site-specific nature of the development (that could not be located elsewhere) and the substantial conservation, heritage and economic benefits the proposal will deliver, this minor conflict is considered to be outweighed. Therefore, the principle of the development is acceptable."

Images: Rural Solutions

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News: Chair announced for South Yorkshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership

Sarah McLeod, CEO of Wentworth Woodhouse has been announced as the new chair of South Yorkshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership Advisory Group.

The South Yorkshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership is a collaboration between the South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority SYMCA, Sheffield City Council, City of Doncaster Council, Rotherham MBC, and Barnsley MBC. Its purpose is to work collectively on shared priorities and targets to foster the growth of the local visitor economy.

As Chair, Sarah will establish and lead an Advisory Group made up of key stakeholders from Visitor Economy businesses across the region.

Sarah joined Wentworth Woodhouse in May 2017 as CEO to steer the regeneration of the Rotherham stately home in what was described as “arguably the UK’s greatest heritage restoration of a generation.” Seven years later and the project continues to go from strength to strength with a turnover of £3.5m a year and successfully raised funding for and delivered £30m of capital works. Earlier this year Sarah was also awarded and OBE for her services to the heritage sector.

Sarah McLeod said: “I am delighted to be announced as the Chair of the South Yorkshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership, and I look forward to the next steps which will involve recruiting members to the advisory group in the coming months. I look forward to working closely with the destination partners and VisitEngland to take the partnership forward as well as celebrating and making the most of what this region has to offer both visitors and local people.“

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Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire added: “I’m South Yorkshire’s biggest champion. We’re the birthplace of football and the home of snooker, we powered the Industrial Revolution and have England’s oldest national park. We celebrate art, music, and literature like nowhere else. And now through the Local Visitor Economy Partnership we have the opportunity to share our beauty, our history, our culture and our talent with the rest of the world.

“I know Sarah McCleod OBE will be a fantastic champion for South Yorkshire and will join me in shouting about how amazing South Yorkshire truly is.”

VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said: “I am very pleased to welcome Sarah as the new Chair of the South Yorkshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP).

“This announcement shines a timely spotlight on the industry’s economic importance and the fantastic work underway with stakeholders across the region to grow the visitor economy. We look forward to continuing to work with the South Yorkshire LVEP, building on the region’s success and ensuring it remains a top destination for both domestic and international visitors now and in the years ahead.”

Rothbiz reported last year that the South Yorkshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership was accredited by VisitEngland. It is being led by representatives from Marketing Sheffield and sector leads from the partner authorities to deliver a plan for growth. The partnership held its inaugural stakeholder event at Magna Science Adventure Centre earlier this year which also saw the launch of the South Yorkshire Destination Management Plan.

Wentworth Woodhouse website

Images: WWPT

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News: £4.2m - the cost of Rotherham Children's Capital of Culture in 2025

£4.2m is set to be spent on the Children’s Capital of Culture Festival Programme in Rotherham in 2025, according to a council report.

It is estimated that it will attract external funding in the region of £13.9m.

Rotherham is branding itself as the world's first Children's Capital of Culture in 2025. The move is part of a cultural strategy with an action that is described as highlighting Rotherham as "a place people want to visit, where everyone can enjoy Rotherham through the eyes, ears and actions of children and young people."

Using money from the Government's UK Community Renewal Fund and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund Programme, work has been ongoing since 2021 to shape what 2025 might include, as well as building partnerships, employing young trainees, Young Artists in Residence and hosting events and pilot activities.

2025 will include more events and festivals, more community and neighbourhood activity, and continued skills and talent development. The key activities in the 2025 festival year include creative and arts activities, sport and physical activities, heritage, reading and author events, leisure, play, gaming, digital, nature and the environment. It will be designed so there will be something for everyone, whatever their age.

The Children’s Capital of Culture is being led by a Cultural Partnership Board with Rotherham Council acting as a facilitator and accountable body for external funding.

The themes have recently been published:

- You’re Not From New York City, You’re From Rov’rum: supporting young people to have agency and create change, building pride in Rotherham as their home.
- Who We Are, Where We Come From: enabling children and young people to develop a sense of community and belonging through the arts and culture, enhancing their mental health and critical thinking.
- Plug In & Play: increasing opportunities for play in digital and physical spaces, as well as fostering physical activity and participation in sport.
- The World Beneath Our Feet: enabling children and young people to engage with nature and their local environment and take action to combat climate change.

Outcomes for the programme are centred around children and young people being proud to call Rotherham their home, be confident that they can establish a career in Rotherham and feel that their mental and physical health is improving.

For Rotherham residents, being the Children's Capital of Culture is designed to create a stronger sense of community cohesion and connection with the local community and help them feel that Rotherham’s reputation is improving regionally and nationally.

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A report to the council's cabinet explains: "To date, £823,700 from the UK Community Renewal Fund, UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and Arts Council England has been invested into the Children’s Capital of Culture Skills and Talent Development programme, which supports the education, employment and training of young people from Rotherham.

"Delivery partners such as Grimm and Co, Wentworth Woodhouse and Places Leisure and others are expected to secure £5m towards the cost of delivering the programme. Projects which do not have sufficient funding will not be included in the Festival 2025 programme.

"It is estimated that in the region of £4.2m will be spent on the Festival programme in 2025. This figure excludes core costs such as staffing and is subject to confirmation of external funding sources and finalisation of the programme."

Potential pots of funding include those operated by the Arts Council, National Lottery Heritage Fund and South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).

Cllr. David Sheppard, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion & Neighbourhood Working at Rotherham Council, said: "Children’s Capital of Culture was a title bestowed upon Rotherham by its young people. It was devised by them as a way to change how young people feel about their hometown and create positive opportunities for children and young people across the Borough.

"There are many similar programmes which had been devised by a locality. These include Kirklees Year of Music 2023 and Our Year – Wakefield District 2024. Additionally, the Mayor of London awards a biannual London Borough of Culture event and Greater Manchester awards an annual Town of Culture.

"The Children’s Capital of Culture commitment has already pulled in millions of pounds to offer events and opportunities to young people that they would otherwise not be able to access otherwise.

"I'm really proud that the Council were delivering on the challenge that has been set and I'm looking forward to a great year ahead in 2025."

Michael Rosen, the children’s author, poet, performer, broadcaster and scriptwriter, recently visited the new premises of Rotherham's literacy charity, Grimm & Co. He said that "sparks immediately flew in his mind" when he heard about the Children’s Capital of Culture idea. He said: "Every time there is a ‘City of Culture’ programme I always think “Oh! I hope they do something with children!” …but the whole idea that you have a Children’s Capital of Culture seems to be absolutely magic!

"To make everybody go through 180 degrees and think about culture and how that will work for children instead of what shall we do for children at one side of what we’re doing over here with opera, and plays and music… it will turn people right round the other way and make them think “well I do this, but how could I do that for children?”

"I think it’s fantastic – an absolutely wonderful idea!”

Rotherham Children's Capital of Culture website

Images: Rotherham Children's Capital of Culture / Facebook

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News: Multimillion pound hotel and spa proposal for picture-perfect Rotherham village

Early stage proposals are being drawn up to convert a collection of agricultural buildings in a picturesque village in Rotherham into a destination hotel and spa.

Owners are looking to introduce a new focus on food at Wentworth, working alongside the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust (WWPT), whose own masterplan is introducing new events space and visitor facilities to the grounds of the Grade-I listed stately home.

Having drawn up its own masterplan for the surrounding village and farm land (around 15,000 acres,), the Fitzwilliam Wentworth Estate, is now engaging with planning consultants to bring forward proposals for the site at the entrance to Wentworth Woodhouse and next to Wentworth Garden Centre, known as Home Farm.

Pre-application advice has also been sought from Rotherham Council before an official planning application is submitted.

Proposals, seen by Rothbiz, show how the Grade-II listed buildings within the green belt could be repurposed to give the farm complex a viable use, providing guest accommodation, hotel and spa facilities and parking.

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Early ideas include the conversion of the threshing barn to a boutique hotel incorporating the creation of 17 guest bedrooms. The Gun Park building could be converted to a restaurant, ancillary to the hotel.

Agricultural buildings could make way for a new spa building with a pool and cafe whilst other existing buildings, like the steading stalls, could be repaired and used to provide additional accommodation suites, a games room and meeting rooms.

Plans show that the dovecote could become a coffee shop and the Power House, with its tall tapered stone chimney, could be used for events.

Later agricultural additions and modern structures could be demolished and there is the potential for holiday cottages on the site and a water terrace garden.

Whilst access would remain off the B6090 Cortworth Lane, a large area of car parking (over 400 spaces) could be contained in a nearby wooded area, called Granny Clarke's Wood.

The Fitzwilliam Estate plan explains: "We want to introduce a focus on food. The Fitzwilliam Estate has been fundamental in developing Malton as Yorkshire’s Food Capital.

"We want to bring some of what we have learnt at Malton to Wentworth, adding to the already thriving food offer by creating new opportunities for local producers, artisans and hospitality businesses.

"Alongside multi-use parking provision, we have identified the area associated with the Gun Park, the Powerhouse and Home Farm as the optimum place to introduce new visitor experiences associated with food and play. We have discussed these ambitions with both the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust and the operators at the Wentworth Garden Centre and plan to work collaboratively to create a complementary offer in this gateway location."

The origins of the Home Farm date back to the 1700s and it is still partially operational. Buildings on the site, such as the main threshing barn, some of the ranges, the Octagon Lodge, the North Lodge, the Power House (built in 1904, to provide electricity for the mansion), and even the Duck House, are Grade-II listed.

Images: Google Maps

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News: Camellia House opening at Wentworth Woodhouse

Bookings are open for The Camellia House, a new dining destination at Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham, following the completion of a £5m regeneration project.

Rothbiz reported last year that the Grade II* Listed was no longer on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register following the completion of the scheme, funded primarily with £4m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and just over £614,000 from Historic England.

Work got underway last year to bring the Georgian building back into use as a speciality tea house and events space. Historic camellias, some surviving from the early 1800s, will have pride of place.

In the 1800s the Camellia House was used as a tea house by Lady Rockingham, wife of the 2nd Marquess, to entertain guests with the most fashionable new drink of the day.

Having already hosted a number of events, including its first wedding and an official launch last week, guests will be able to enjoy the new space from Tuesday April 2.

The menu features teas from across the globe and a food offer includes international tapas. In the evenings, the venue will serve as an events space.

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Mondays are reserved exclusively for charities and community groups. Partnering with Home Instead, monthly Memory Cafes will run for people living with dementia.

With the support of architects Donald Insall Associates and York-based construction specialists William Birch Ltd, the restoration has set a new benchmark for sustainable design in heritage and listed buildings, winning best Innovation in Environmental Improvement in the Green Apple Environmental Awards 2023 and shortlisted for the RICS Award 2024.

Numerous heritage conservation challenges, not least the protection of the historic camellias, were overcome. Wherever possible, original materials and features were retained - including some of the country’s largest Georgian sash windows.

Energy-conserving methods introduced include carbon-neutral heating and a rainwater harvesting system, which irrigates the camellia plants and provides water for the WCs.

Sarah McLeod, CEO of Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust, said: “Saving the Camellia House, removing it from the Heritage At Risk Register and giving it a new life is a huge achievement for us.

“It’s a significant step in our mission to build a financially sustainable long-term solution for Wentworth Woodhouse, so it can be enjoyed and used by local people for many years to come.

“We prioritised the Camellia House because it was in the most urgent need and it was vital that we protected our historic camellia collection. It now provides much-needed facilities for the gardens and means visitors can enjoy tea among the camellias, as the Marchioness did in the 1800s.”

Helen Featherstone, Director, England North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, added: “It is incredibly exciting to see the wonderful Camellia House now open to the public. We’re very proud that, thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to support this restoration project that has not only breathed new life into a beautiful venue steeped in the history of tea, one of the globe’s most popular drinks, but also safeguarded it for future generations.

“This element of the important work being undertaken by Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust is a great example of the role heritage can play in creating a sense of pride in place, and the positive impact it can have on boosting the economy.”

Claudia Kenyatta, Director of Regions at Historic England, said: “It’s wonderful to see this important part of the Wentworth Woodhouse site brought back to life through strong partnership working. I’m proud that Historic England has played a role in transforming what was a derelict, roofless building into this stunning new public tearoom, complete with historic blooms.”

Construction specialists William Birch & Sons Ltd were lead contractors, working alongside UK-wide specialist conservation architects, Donald Insall Associates.

Wentworth Woodhouse website

Images: WWPT

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News: Why do top productions choose to film at Wentworth Woodhouse?

A number of feature films and big budget TV productions have been filmed at Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham. Volunteers in the digital team explain why.

One of the most recent, Bodies, a mystery with four detectives, four time periods, and four dead bodies, used the Grade I listed stately home as a location. Airing on Netflix this month, the key crime scene, Longharvest Lane, was created at Wentworth Woodhouse.

HBO shut down the site earlier this year for its production, The Regime starring Kate Winslet and Hugh Grant.

Adam Widdowson, digital team volunteer at Wentworth Woodhouse said: "When these productions arrive, the house is transformed into bustling working sets. Trucks, trailers and vans line the front lawn, thousands of pieces of kit line hallways, miles of cables run throughout the house and hundreds of cast and crew members work together to make sure the production runs smoothly."

Ryan Widdowson, digital team volunteer at Wentworth Woodhouse, added: "As someone who's had the exciting opportunity to work as a locations marshall on these sets, it's fascinating to see the behind the scenes of how what we see on the screen is put together and the vast amount of work that takes place to make these productions happen."

The house is now in the ownership of a preservation trust and its famous Marble Saloon played host to the Downton Abbey movie and also featured in The Crown as a banqueting hall within the Kremlin.

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Various locations throughout the house and grounds were used in Gentleman Jack for The BBC, including the Whistlejacket Room which was transformed into a cafe in the Louvre, and the entrance to the Stables doubled up as the gates of Paris.

One of the biggest production challenges was when Netflix built a set within a set in the five's court for The Irregulars, doubling as a street in Victorian London. When Netflix first saw the site, the floor of the courtyard was covered in 20th century tarmac. They offered to remove this to discover if any of the original cobbles remained underneath as they wanted an authentic floor covering for the set. Luckily the cobbles were still present.

For ITV's Victoria, Chapel Corridor became part of the Houses of Parliament and the low drawing room was used as the interior of Number 10 Downing Street.

On the big screen, Wentworth Woodhouse stood in for the Royal Academy in London for Mike Leigh's Mr Turner, and for Oscar winning feature film, Darkest Hour, the Whistlejacket room was used as interior of Buckingham Palace. Scenes were also filmed on the Portico which was used as the palace balcony where the King and Churchill looked out on wartorn London.

Adam explained why productions choose to use Wentworth Woodhouse as a filming location. He said: "It's a huge venue with multiple sites to choose from that feature a variety of periods of architectural styles, inside and out. We also have a large and beautiful garden which contains several historic structures.

"Much of the house that our regular visitors can see looks very grand but there are also a lot of dilapidated and derelict areas too which means that productions can film multiple scenes in one shoot location."

Ryan added: "The fact that the house is empty for the most part means they don't have to work around priceless paintings and furniture or empty out any rooms before they start work. They can bring exactly what they need to dress each room as required, saving productions a lot of precious time and money. Plus with all that space, there's plenty of room for their unit base and all the cast, crew and kit. And of course they get a warm Yorkshire welcome."

Sophie Ellingham, digital team volunteer at Wentworth Woodhouse said: "Every week Wentworth Woodhouse receives inquiries about using the site as a film and TV location and there are some incredible opportunities that will hopefully be secured over the coming years. It's an important part of our business model and helps us towards our strategic goal of using Wentworth Woodhouse as a catalyst for positive change across South Yorkshire."

On Location, an exhibition featuring 24 costumes worn in productions at Wentworth Woodhouse, runs until November 5.

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Images: WWPT

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News: Wentworth Festival set to stay in Rotherham

A new location has been found that will keep Wentworth Festival in the Rotherham borough.

The annual celebration of music, comedy and family fun has been hosted at Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham since it was dreamt up by radio and music pals, Toby Foster and Steve White in 2017.

The grade I listed mansion hosted the high profile event for the last time in September with organisers needing a more sustainable location and stating that they had to move away as they could no longer mitigate the substantial costs that Wentworth Woodhouse and its preservation trust owners need to cover.

A move to nearby Hooton Lodge Farm, a beautiful campsite and space between Kilnhurst and Thrybergh, has now been confirmed.

Previously used as a training ground for Rotherham United, the site has become a popular location for events after new owners carried out a complete overhaul of the site following a 2015 deal. The pub restaurant closed in favour of camping

WentFest24 is set to take place at Hooton Lodge in June 2024.

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Just like in previous years, the festival will include a main statge, a new music stage, a comedy tent, kid's tent and fairground, but moving to Hooton Lodge will mean that the festivities will be extended with camping offered on site.

In a post on social media, festival organisers, said: "The move from Wentworth itself means that we can expand the festival this year to include two nights, with two headline acts, and provide camping so that the party doesn’t have to end when the music stops.

"There are two nights that we can fill the main stage with fantastic music, and we intend to do just that.

"This is going to be so much fun, we can’t wait to welcome you. We’ve booked the fairground rides, the bar will be even bigger than in years gone by and we’ll still have one or two tricks up our sleeves."

The full line-up is still to be released but acts confirmed so far include pop rock band, Scouting For Girls, who played Wentworth Festival in 2018, and British boy band, Blue.

WentFest website

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News: This year's Wentworth Festival set to be last at the big house

Wentworth Festival, the annual celebration of music, comedy and family fun is set to run for the final time later this month at Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham.

The grade I listed mansion has hosted the high profile event since it was dreamt up by radio and music pals, Toby Foster and Steve White in 2017.

British soul singer Lemar, who played at the first ever festival, has been brought back along with acts like Sleeper, Toploader, Livin’ Joy and eighties hit machine Kim Wilde to wave the festival off in style on September 16.

After seven years this will be the last of the festivals, organised by the local promoters to be held in the village of Wentworth, though they say that the story is far from over.

Toby Foster said that he was "beyond upset" that the festival would no longer be at Wentworth Woodhouse but explained: “The festival has been such a success that we have decided we need to keep it running on an annual basis and that means tidying up a few loose ends and looking at the costs that running such a massive show entails. No one else is putting on a gig of this size anywhere in Rotherham, and we need to keep the quality up.

"Wentworth Woodhouse is a stunning venue but as you’d expect, they have substantial costs to cover and we have been unable to mitigate those in any way, so we need to move the festival to somewhere that is more sustainable in the long run.”

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The event, sponsored by Barnsley College for the last two years, also runs a new music stage, kid’s entertainment tent and a six hour long comedy club courtesy of Sheffield’s Last Laugh Club, as well as House and Northern Soul disco tents.

Steve White, added: "We are looking at two other sites, both within ten minutes of Wentworth, so people who have been to all our festivals so far shouldn’t have too far to go. In fact, for most people, we may well be nearer.”

Whilst the future is undoubtedly bright, focus is very much on this year. As Foster adds: “The entire team is gutted to be leaving Wentworth, we feel like we’ve grown up here. To have the festival half a mile from home has been amazing, so we are just going to enjoy 2023, which is already our best selling festival ever, and have an amazing finale."

Recommended reading: The Role of Music in Boosting Your Instagram Engagement via Phone

Taken on by the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust (WWPT) in 2017, a major £150m regeneration programme is well underway with phases in the near future to focus on events and conferencing. This year, the mansion has hosted art exhibitions, tribute acts and outdoor theatre and cinema screenings.

Wentworth Festival website

Images: Wentworth Festival / Facebook

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News: 600 capacity conference and events space planned at Wentworth Woodhouse

Fresh sets of plans have been submitted that cover further phases of regeneration at Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham.

Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust rescued the Grade I listed architectural jewel from decline in 2017.

Rothbiz reported last year on plans for Wentworth's next phases in a programme of mixed-use regeneration, described as the most exciting and challenging heritage project of a generation, that will take up to two decades to deliver and will cost over £130m.

A proposed £5.1m regeneration project is set to provide jobs and training for the hospitality sector at the historic site. Funding has been secured from the Government's Levelling Up Fund.

With plans recently approved for to convert part of the magnificent stables for use as a production kitchen and another part for a 120 cover café catering for visitors, now a new application has been submitted for other parts of the stables.

The new application, from Donald Insall Architects, includes the conversion of the stable's south range, the riding school and "Ostler’s House."

If approved, the plans will not only secure the repair and restoration of the Grade I and II buildings currently in very poor condition with major risk of further decay, but enable the charitable trust to generate more income.

Wentworth Woodhouse’s huge Stable Block, positioned on the driveway to the Mansion, was created for the 2nd Marquess of Rockingham by architect John Carr of York. When completed in 1782 it was the largest private stables in the country, and remained so until the late 1900s. It boasted stables for 84 hunting, riding, and carriage horses.

The Riding School is set to be converted into a large conference and events space capable of holding 600+ wedding guests, with a new mezzanine providing storage and WCs at ground floor and a bar at mezzanine level.

Inside the Grade 1 listed building, redundant interventions from when it was used as a gymnasium by Lady Mabel College will be removed from the walls. Heritage experts have also worked out how to install mechanical cooling in the historic riding school.

On the outside, a significant improvement to the stables complex will be the removal of the infill college changing rooms and covered sports court from the Riding School courtyard. Plans explain that: "This will reveal the original elevations of the South Range and Riding School which will be repaired and conserved. Views out to the garden and potentially to the Mansion will be opened up through the Riding School southern courtyard wall. In order to provide visitors and staff with protection from the weather a contemporary and fully reversible glazed open walkway is proposed to the north and west sides of the courtyard. This has been carefully developed with the client and Historic England."

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Other elements of the proposals include significant internal alterations to create a large commercial kitchen in the west end of the south range and the south end of the west range.

Linked to the new events spaces, the designs for restoring Ostler's House is to use it for overnight accommodation set out in a hotel room configuration. The large Grade II listed building dates from c.1780 but the internal fabric has been completely lost from this building (with the exception of the central staircase) as a result of college changes and deterioration of the fabric during its period of redundancy.

Mews Court, the smallest and most intimate of the four courtyards at the stables, is to be restored to be the visitor’s first impression of the estate after leaving their cars in the new car park (Other plans will enable a new entrance and car park created by demolishing the former swimming pool). Visitors will then be directed into the vast and impressive main stables courtyard for the ‘architectural reveal’.

The cottage at Mews Court (which has been considerably remodelled) will be respected and used as a shop.

The plans add: "The original front door to Mews Cottage will be reinstated and the building sensitively adapted into a shop at ground floor with office space above and a connection through to the adjacent room to the north where an existing open split level provides an excellent visitor exit route to the proposed car park."

Away from the stable block, a separate set of plans have been submitted for listed building consent to repair the fountain and pool south of the Camellia House which is being brought back into use as a cafe and evening events space.

The plans conclude: "The interventions proposed have been subject to detailed design development to ensure that they remove the harmful interventions dating to the college use and that they are limited to those considered necessary to ensure the future sustainable public use of the buildings, to enable visitor access into the restored historic spaces and to give them a new vital purpose ensuring their special interest is preserved, accessed and understood.

"The conclusion of this report therefore is that the proposals will lead to major and wholly positive benefits, centred on securing a continued, viable use for these buildings, their removal from the ‘At Risk’ register and forming an integral role in the future of the Wentworth Woodhouse Estate as a visitor attraction.

"The proposed use of the Stables, Riding School, Ostler’s House, Mews Court and Mews Cottage and their role in the wider scheme to turn Wentworth Woodhouse into a visitor attraction would have a wholly positive impact on economic development and the creation of jobs with the borough."

Wentworth Woodhouse website

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News: Wentworth Woodhouse to star in Nick Knowles: Heritage Rescue

DIY SOS hero Nick Knowles knows more than a thing or two about buildings in dire need of some expert TLC.

But even he must have been amazed by the scale of vital repairs at Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham when he arrived to film his latest TV series, Nick Knowles: Heritage Rescue.

The Preservation Trust, which has owned the Grade I listed stately home since 2017, has embarked on a £130m project to save it for the nation.

The presenter, who has a keen interest in historic architecture, found out how the largest stately home in Britain, once home to the Marquesses of Rockingham and the Earls of Fitzwilliam, had fallen into decay after over 70 years of neglect.

At 9pm on Wednesday, December 15 viewers can watch Nick join artisans brought in to repair the Georgian mansion’s three acres of roofs, the elegant portico on its vast East Front and restore its North Pavilion complete with 18-foot weathervane.

The hour-long episode is airing on the Freeview channel Quest and is also available to stream on the subscriber channel Discovery +.

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During filming at Wentworth, which took place during spring and summer, Nick learned about old masonry, joinery and roofing skills being used by craftsmen from construction contractors Robert Woodhead Ltd.

The popular new series sees Nick Knowles follow owners, custodians and armies of artisans going the extra mile to save some of Britain’s most magnificent and historic buildings dangerously close to wrack and ruin.

He uncovers some of their more surprising histories and reports on the skills and passion needed to keep Britain’s heritage alive.

Previous episodes have featured Castle Howard, Brighton Pavillion and Exeter Cathedral.

“There was great excitement at Wentworth when Nick’s production team said they would like to include us in Heritage Rescue,” Said WWPT’s CEO Sarah McLeod.

“The programme will raise our profile to viewers around the world and we were delighted to meet Nick.

“He was fascinated by the story of the house’s fortunes and decline, the restoration of crumbing 18th century plasterwork on the East Front portico and crucial repairs to make the North Pavilion at one end of the Front water-tight.

“Nick also signed some builders’ hard hats for us which we plan to auction off in aid of Trust funds next year along with other celebrity items.”

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News: Wentworth Woodhouse to transform stables and create hospitality jobs

Once workplace and home to hundreds of grooms and stable boys, the Stables of Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham are now set to provide jobs and training for the hospitality sector in a £5.1m regeneration project.

Rothbiz reported in October that the Wentworth project was part of successful bids to the Government's Levelling Up Fund.

Redevelopment of a major section of the long-derelict Stable Block, the grandest in the land when built in the late 1700s, can now get underway.

The Preservation Trust which owns the stately home, has pledged to create employment and become a major driver of Rotherham’s leisure and tourism sector; it will now be able to further that aim with the redevelopment of 800 sq m of the Stables’ West Range into fully kitted-out production kitchens, a training facility for new hospitality staff, plus a café.

Work will start in early 2022 and is expected to take two years.

Sarah McLeod, CEO of Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust, said: “The Levelling Up Fund is all about giving people in the North the same opportunities as those in the South. This grant makes a massive difference to us, an independent charitable trust trying to make a real difference to the community of South Yorkshire, which we know is a great place to live, work and visit.

“We will help deliver the Levelling Up agenda through job creation and upskilling. The hospitality sector is currently experiencing a huge labour shortage; our production kitchens will serve cafes and catering right across our site and give us the facilities to train up our own hospitality team.

"The really wonderful thing about this win is it’s a consortium bid from organisations all proud to be part of Rotherham’s leisure and visitor economy, and determined to drive growth and employment.

“We will be looking to link up with local colleges for hospitality training qualifications and plan to offer valuable hospitality work experience to people with disabilities.”

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Wentworth Woodhouse’s huge Stable Block, positioned on the driveway to the Mansion, was created for the 2nd Marquess of Rockingham by architect John Carr of York.

When completed in 1782 it was the largest private stables in the country, and remained so until the late 1900s.

It boasted stables for 84 hunting, riding, and carriage horses. Grooms and stable boys slept in small rooms above the horses and house gardeners also lived at the site.

The kitchen in the West Range will service all on-site hospitality, including afternoon teas, private events, the Mansion’s cafe and a new food offer to be developed in the Camellia House.

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News: New specialists taking Wentworth Woodhouse forward after pandemic

Rotherham stately home Wentworth Woodhouse has re-opened to visitors with four new specialists at the helm.

“We were closed for many months during the pandemic, but Wentworth Woodhouse has bounced back better than ever,” said Sarah McLeod, CEO of the Preservation Trust which bought the Grade I listed mansion and grounds for £7m in 2017.

“We are proud that not a single redundancy has been made and in addition, more jobs have been created.

“The expertise of our new staff will further our 20-year masterplan for the site and ensure a bright future for a house that had slipped into decline.”

Three of the new posts have now been filled, a fourth is to be recruited for and Lydia Tickner has arrived as the new events manager.

Chief Operating Officer Paula Kaye is an accomplished hospitality and retail director who made her mark with world-class food brands Betty’s Tea Rooms and Taylor’s of Harrogate at both strategic and operational levels.

She joined Betty’s at 16 as a part-time waitress and rose to Catering and Retail Director across all its branches and retail divisions.

After nearly three years as Food and Beverage Director at Bicester Village in Oxfordshire, in lockdown she set up her own business, Boost Consultancy, working with hospitality and food businesses.

Said Paula, 52, of York: “I am excited to join the Trust and build on the great work already done. I will be leading on a three-year business strategy, to support the next phase of accelerated growth for Wentworth Woodhouse. Our aim is to create a world-class visitor experience.”

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Head of Hospitality Darren Procter joins Wentworth from Sheffield Hallam University, where as Executive Chef he developed the campus food offer and oversaw all catering operations.

Darren previously ran his own restaurant in Cornwall and brings a passion for sustainability and supporting local producers to the menus at Wentworth.

“Harnessing my experience of driving a profitable business to support the Trust is a very exciting opportunity,” said Darren, 43, who lives in Hillsborough, Sheffield, with his wife, a Barnsley social worker, and their five children.

Gabriel Morrison, formerly Head of Web at The SEO Works at Evoluted, arrives as Head of Marketing and Digital.

He will develop the Trust’s quest for digital engagement with supporters and visitors, plans which became ever-more relevant in the pandemic.

The house now has its own film production equipment and a video production team of trained volunteers. Informative films about life behind the scenes are being shown on TV screens in the mansion’s cafe and reception and on Wentworth’s own YouTube channel, which launches soon.

Interactive digital experiences for family visitors are planned for summer in the house and gardens.

Lydia Tickner (33) brings experience gained at London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and English Heritage sites Dover Castle and Osborne House to the WWPT events programme.

“Creating special memories for visitors in historic and outdoor settings is what I love. I jumped at the chance to join the team moving this once-in-a- lifetime regeneration project to its next phase of life,” said Lydia, who lives in Conisbrough.

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Images: WWPT

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News: Plans for Wentworth’s Camellia House

Memories and images of the derelict Camellia House in the grounds of Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham are being sought by specialists now steering plans for its restoration.

Redeveloping the Grade II* listed Camellia House into a daytime cafe and evening events venue is Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust’s first major project to bring a derelict building back into use.

The Trust, which bought the house in 2017, is taking the building back to its original use - in 1738 it was an orangery with a tea room created for Lady Rockingham, wife of the 1st Marquess, to entertain her guests.

It became home to camellias when the 2nd Marquess became one of the earliest English collectors of the rare blooms being brought from China and Japan in Georgian times.

Though now a shell, the building still houses some of the oldest and rarest camellias in the Western world. They will have pride of place in the new cafe and will be carefully protected during building work, which it is hoped will begin next year.

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The project can now move on a-pace thanks to the recent appointment of architects, a project organiser and a quantity surveyor.

After a competitive tendering process, UK-wide architects Donald Insall Associates will be developing designs and applying to Rotherham Council for planning permission.

The award-winning practice recently worked on two phases of restoration work and emergency repairs at the mansion alongside quantity surveyors Rex Procter and Partners, of Leeds, and Project Organiser David Trevis-Smith, of Warwickshire-based DTS Solutions. Both firms have also successfully tendered for the Camellia House project.

Commented Mr Trevis-Smith: “We would love the public to share with us old photos and any memories they have of the Camellia House.

“As heritage specialists we constantly learn about the buildings as we work on them, but there are things we will never find out from examining bricks and mortar.

“Having more pieces of the jigsaw will help us greatly in the planning process. Local people whose ancestors worked in the house and gardens, or who visited decades ago could hold fascinating nuggets of information,” he added.

A National Lottery Heritage Fund grant of £1.5m received in late 2019, is funding the three consultancy firms to develop plans for the Camellia House and also for three other beautiful and redundant 18th and 19th century buildings on the site.

Match funding is being provided by Historic England, Garfield Weston Foundation, Architectural Heritage Fund, Fitzwilliam Wentworth Amenity Trust, Pilgrim Trust and Ian Addison Charitable Trust.

As revealed in the Trust’s 20-year Masterplan, the Riding School is earmarked as a major conference and events space, the South Range of the Stables for retail, events and cafe spaces and the Ostler’s House as overnight guest accommodation.

The Camellia House will have its own kitchens and will operate as a daytime cafe and a dining and events venue in the evenings.

Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust CEO Sarah McLeod said: “Thanks to a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund we now have trusted and expert consultants onboard for this crucial first stage in our plans for the Camellia House.

“We hope to be able to tender for the construction work by the end of this year but first, substantial fundraising will need to be done. This will include a public appeal to raise around £500,000 towards this multi-million-pound scheme.”

Donald Insall Associates is known for conservation work at some of Britain’s most significant stately homes. “It has been an honour and privilege to work with a highly skilled team of conservation specialists at Wentworth Woodhouse and we are looking forward to working on the Camellia House,” said Dorian Proudfoot, Associate Director. “Its redevelopment is the next stage in securing a sustainable future for the magnificent stately home.”

Ian Tomlinson, a director of Rex Procter and Partners, commented: Our professional relationship with the property and its custodians started in 2009. We are excited by the vision for the Camellia House and Stable Block range, which will bring many new visitors, and look forward to working on what we are sure will be a challenging and ultimately rewarding series of projects.”

Wentworth Woodhouse website

Images: WWPT / Alwin Greyson

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News: Apprentices make their mark at Wentworth Woodhouse

Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham is proudly supporting National Apprentice Week 2021’s Build The Future campaign.

The annual event showcases the positive impact apprenticeships have on communities, local businesses and regional economies - and urges organisations to give young people that vital first step on the career ladder.

The Trustees which owns the mansion now employs two apprentices and hopes to set on more in the near future. The Woodhead group, ehich has been undertaken much-needed renovation work is also a keen supporter.

Rebecca Vickers began a Finance Apprenticeship at the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust (WWPT) in November 2019 and is aiming for a career in accountancy. The Doncaster 20-year-old had always thought she would go to university, but changed her mind and when she saw the vacancy at Wentworth Woodhouse, she looked into the work of the Trust. "I thought it would be amazing to be part of that," she says.

Rebecca has already completed her Level 2 modules and is now working towards a Level 3 qualification. She has been on furlough for most of the pandemic, but is studying hard online and is learning to play the guitar and piano.

She certainly hits the right note with Finance Manager, Penny Ramsden, who said: "Rebecca shows enormous potential – she is enthusiastic to learn and always keen to take on more tasks. She is exactly what we had hoped for in an apprentice."

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History-lover Victoria Kica knew she had found the perfect apprenticeship when she walked into Wentworth Woodhouse. The 19-year-old from Goldthorpe began her Business Admin Apprenticeship with the Trust in February 2020.

Sadly, just a month later, the UK went into its first COVID-19 lockdown and Victoria has been on furlough since. She's using her time to study for her qualification, train her dog, Willow - and improve her baking skills! She can't wait to get back to work though: "The Trust has lots of potential for growth and it’s an exciting opportunity to be a part of that,” she says.

Office Manager Keeley Stephenson, whose own career began as an apprentice when she was just 16, said: "I feel sure that, had it not been for the scheme, I wouldn’t be doing the role I am in today. I hope to see Victoria flourish in the same way and look forward to supporting her on the journey. I am very keen to have her back in the office. Victoria has great potential."

Employed by contractors working on the mansion’s 18th century roof, further trainees got to work alongside skilled heritage specialists. Owen Nightingale is an apprentice site manager with Woodhead Group and is studying at Barnsley College for a Level 3 qualification in construction and the built environment.

Owen, of Thrybergh, has now set his hard-hat at a career in heritage construction and conservation. “Being a part of restoring Wentworth Woodhouse has been a pleasure. I am eager to work on heritage buildings as a career,” he said.

Specialist Lincolnshire masons Heritage Masonry Contracts were called in to work on repairs and restoration of the roof’s centuries-old stone features - life-size statues, giant urns and hand-carved balustrades and portico detailing. The company’s two apprentice stonemasons enjoyed working alongside their MD, Sean Knight.

Ben Halifax is completing his a Level 3 banker masonry qualification and Oliver Atkin has recently completed his Level 2 banker masonry qualification while at Wentworth.

"Ben and Oliver are our first apprentices. It has been a thoroughly positive experience. A project on the scale of Wentworth Woodhouse has enabled them to learn, experience and hone a plethora of different conservation and restoration techniques,” said Sean.

Heritage Masonry Contracts are soon to take on another apprentice. Louis Harrison will begin a fixer masonry course, this September.

Wentworth Woodhouse website

Images: WWPT / Woodhead group

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News: Wentworth Woodhouse through the pandemic

Wentworth Woodhouse has survived much during its 250-year history. But its future looked bleak when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the UK.

With new lockdown measures coming this week, the immediate future looks digital, with new experiences in development.

2020 was set to be a turning point in the resurrection of the Rotherham country house once owned by the Marquesses of Rockingham and the Earls of Fitzwilliam and one of England’s finest stately piles.

Its owner, the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust (WWPT), was three years into its mission to prevent the Grade I listed mansion's financial and physical collapse.

Visitor numbers were rising and an annual programme of events was well-established. A colossal programme of crucial repairs to two acres of the mansion’s roof was soon to come to an end, protecting some of the most vulnerable areas of the building.

And then came the pandemic lockdown, followed by Tier 3 restrictions for South Yorkshire. Tours and events were cancelled. The mansion’s doors were bolted. Construction work came to an abrupt halt.

Almost all of the Trust’s staff went immediately into furlough, income dropped like a stone and the business plan lay became redundant.

But this majestic and indomitable house is again rising like the proverbial phoenix.

Through careful control, the ship has been steadied. The Trust will be no worse off financially by the end of the year, three new jobs have been created and a COVID-19-proof business model has been set out for 2021.

Sarah McLeod, CEO of the WWPT which bought the house for £7m in 2017, said: "Initially, like everyone, we were shocked and imagined the worst. But actually, we were able to find silver linings during the months that followed.

"Everyone rushed to help - from volunteers deciding to create a stream of morale-boosting videos about life at the house to the funders who acted swiftly to support the devastated heritage sector."

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The swift arrival of £240,000 from an emergency pot, granted by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, gave the Trust three months of vital breathing space. It kept the wolf from the door, paying running costs from April to June.

"Our Finance Manager Penny Ramsden and I paid the bills, took stock and rethought the business plan to find a way forward," explained Sarah.

Contractors Woodhead Group were also finding solutions; they managed to establish safe methods of working and in May roofers and stonemasons were back at the house.

For WWPT, having no daily operational duties to carry out meant there was time to apply for more grants and work out new directions.

A core team was brought back and a digital audit of the site was carried out, utilising some of the £240,000 grant. The team swiftly realised a COVID-safe means of generating income was literally sitting on the doorstep. The mansion’s 55-acre garden was to become its salvation.

By summer, its woodland copses, wildflower meadows and rambling lawns - once beautified by famed Georgian landscape gardener Sir Humphry Repton - had been thrown open to paying visitors for the first time.

The mansion has been open for just a few weeks over the summer holidays, but the gardens have been open for much of the year and will continue to open every weekend.

"The gardens brought income, gave people a beautiful, relaxing place to exercise and unwind and kept their connection to us - it was really important not to lose the support we had worked so hard to build," added Sarah.

Developing the gardens for visitors was planned for the future, but the virus forced those plans to the fore. A Culture Recovery Fund grant via the National Lottery Heritage Fund made it possible.

The grant awarded £468,282 to help the house survive in the run up to winter and paid for a food trailer and a mobile classroom and two shepherd’s huts, which are on order and will be in operation next year. The grant also covered wages and meant the team could move swiftly on long-held digital plans which had become very relevant in COVID times.

An online fundraising shop was launched and a mobile film studio equipment was purchased. A volunteer video production team is now in training. Informative films about life behind the scenes will eventually be shown on TV screens in the mansion’s cafe and reception and on Wentworth's own YouTube channel, which will launch later in 2021.

Creating interactive digital experiences for visitors can now be piloted thanks to £40,000 from grant from Art Fund, the UK’s national charity for art. Wentworth Reimagined will bring Wentworth’s characters back to life.

In October, thanks to a grant from Historic England, £331,200 was awarded from the Heritage Stimulus Fund, part of the Government’s £1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage. The Trust was able to install a temporary heating system and forge ahead with enabling works which will allow it to introduce a ground-source heat pump system in the future.

These works include urgent repairs to underground drainage, a new water mains connection and the removal of asbestos from the mansion’s cellar.

In November, a further £720,000 was awarded by Historic England from a Heritage Stimulus Fund set aside to restart heritage construction and maintenance projects hit by the pandemic and save jobs in the sector.

It is paying for further vital roof work at each end of the famed East Front - on the North Pavilion, North and South Quadrants, the Meter House and a further section of the Long Gallery. This will protect rooms below, contribute to the building’s sustainability and support jobs in construction and traditional crafts.

McLeod said: "We have fought to bring in these grants and as a result, many positive things have happened here during the pandemic. Our gardens are thriving. The house is now warm for the first time since the heating system broke down in January.

"Asbestos has been removed from the cellars, the roof has been repaired, the East Front is free of scaffold after two years and we have the money to repair other vulnerable areas."

One of the greatest achievements of the year was involving thousands of local people in the creation of The Flock, an art installation to mark the effects of COVID-19 - positive and negative - on the community. The installation saw 10,000 small wooden birds, hand-painted by the public and symbols of freedom through unity, displayed on the mansion’s front lawn.

Sarah concluded: "Our priorities have been trying to keep people safe, boost morale, retain jobs and keep the project moving.

"We are one year behind where we had planned in terms of sustainability. But what is one more year in the life of this house?

"We hope to hit the ground running when we come back next year. Supporters will find an even better Wentworth Woodhouse waiting for them when we can re-open in the spring."

Wentworth Woodhouse website

Images: WWPT / Joy Newbould

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