£1million boost to help save Seaton Delaval Hall

Sep 12 2009 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

THE effort to save historic Northumberland mansion Seaton Delaval Hall today receives a £1m boost that inches the fundraising drive close to its ambitious target.

The major cash boost from development agency One North East comes as the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall tour the 18th Century Northumbrian mansion and its grounds today.

The visit is to thank the many organisations, groups and individuals who have helped raise £3m towards the National Trust’s target of £6.3m which would enable it to acquire the hall.

Despite the recession, a total of £1m has been raised in the North East since the trust launched its Seaton Delaval Hall appeal 14 months ago.

Stacy Hall, director of communications and tourism at One North East, said: “One North East is pleased to support the National Trust towards its acquisition of Seaton Delaval Hall, ensuring that its architectural splendour and gardens add to the visitor offer of the North East, while creating employment and providing a boost for businesses in South East Northumberland.”

Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw will decide soon on whether the hall, together with many of its collections, can be accepted in lieu of inheritance tax, thus saving it permanently for the nation.

It is hoped that this would account for £2m, leaving the last £300,000 to be found by a final, public fund-raising push.