Trust bosses urge heritage-lovers to help Delaval Hall
Jul 16 2008 by Dan Warburton, The Journal
NATIONAL Trust bosses last night encouraged North East heritage-lovers to help Seaton Delaval Hall in the same way they saved another major attraction.
In October 2005 Cragside House, near Rothbury, was closed for 18 months as part of a huge £6m restoration and refurbishment project.
The property, which was the home of Lord Armstrong and the first house in the world to be lit by hydro-electricity, under- went its first rewiring in 40 years with more than 30 miles of wiring replaced.
But before work could start, every item in every room had to be carefully packaged, listed, and its original location noted – amounting to more than 10,000 objects and 7,500 books.
On top of support from English Heritage and the National Trust, the Cragside Appeal raised more than £600,000 from public donations to fund the project. And last night John O’Brien, the property manager, urged people to put their hands in their pockets and pledge funds to save Seaton Delaval Hall in the same way.
He said: “When Cragside was going through major refurbishment and restoration, there were lots of small donations, and that’s what was so poignant for me.
“Although there were some sizable pledges, the majority of the funding came from donations ranging from £50 to £100.
“People think these are small amounts, but if 5,000 people give £50 each then you have £250,000.
“So don’t think that just because it’s a small amount it’s not important. The small amounts are what make it possible and we wouldn’t have been able to do what we’ve done without those. By donating they can continue to enjoy the sites, and it means their children can enjoy the sites.”
The National Trust has announced that it will put forward £6.9m to save Seaton Delaval Hall, in Seaton Sluice, Northumberland, providing that a national campaign can raise a further £6.3m.
The 18th Century building is being sold by owner Lord Hastings and a target has been set to raise £1m in the North East.
If the money is not raised, the building will be sold privately and uses could range from flats to a golf course.
The trust’s proposed intervention has been met with widespread support, and a large-scale public consultation process is now under way to decide how best to use the hall, gardens and grounds.
What do you think of these ideas for the hall?
WE’VE created a section on our website for you to tell us what you think about the future of Seaton Delaval Hall. Click here to tell us your thoughts on these ideas from the trust for the hall:
The arts: Romantic and partly ruined Seaton Delaval Hall offers not only the opportunity for a creative space in which artists can work, but space for a gallery too. There is the opportunity to host performing arts events.
Health and well-being: The hall and grounds have the potential to provide an invaluable green space.
Education and learning: An outdoor classroom for schools, or venue for courses in traditional building skills.
Gardening: The site could be a garden attraction with allotments, landscaped gardens and wildlife havens.
History and cultural heritage: The hall occupies an agricultural and industrial estate which has been owned by the family since the Norman Conquest.
You can donate on: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/seaton-delaval or call 0844 800-1895 or send cheques to: Save Seaton Delaval Hall, the National Trust, PO Box 39, Warrington, WA5 7WD.
