If these walls could talk…
Our vision is that Hartlebury Castle is cherished, celebrated and understood, providing an unmissable experience that inspires, informs and delights all who visit.
Our Story
Hartlebury Castle stands as a timeless testament to over a millennium of history, bearing witness to the stories of 112 bishops and countless others who have called it home. From its origins as a Castle, to its varied roles as a manor house, prison, hospital, and sanctuary, Hartlebury Castle has endured the ages.
Today, as a registered charity, it’s open to the public as a captivating historic house, nestled in the Worcestershire countryside. From the remarkable deeds of bishops who shaped national history, to the everyday lives of servants who worked hard within its walls, every story Hartlebury Castle offers gives its visitors a glimpse into the past, whilst inviting them simultaneously to reflect on life today.
Bishop Yeatman-Biggs once remarked:
These words highlight the belief in the importance of the Castle’s heritage. Hartlebury Castle is not merely a relic of the past; it is a living testament to the overlapping forces of power, politics, and societal evolution that continue to shape our world today. Recognising our stories, standing and space, Hartlebury Castle Trust wishes to spark conversations that transcend time, inspiring visitors to contemplate the pressing issues of our era through guided explorations of our history.
From the corridors of power to the struggles of everyday life, we wish to serve as a space for dialogue, challenging ourselves to learn from the past and chart a course towards a more insightful future.
By supporting Hartlebury Castle you are ensuring we are no longer just a window on the past, but instead that, we continue the Castle’s legacy, by becoming a space that offers the opportunity to explore and cast new light on today’s issues. You are helping us to transform Hartlebury Castle into a beacon for inspiring discussions for years to come.
Our Beginning
Hartlebury Castle Trust, grew from a small movement of local villagers, determined to protect the Castle when it was put up for sale by the Church of England in 2007. Formed in 2009, the charity worked tirelessly to fundraise and raise awareness of Hartlebury Castle’s significance. Their dedication led to the successful application for funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund (then HLF), providing £5 million to restore the building and begin sharing its wonderful stories. Hartlebury Castle Trust now looks to its future and growing to become a space challenging us to learn from our past and encourage conversations about our future.
Be part of the conversation…
If you believe, like we do, that as societal challenges evolve, so too must our approach to interpreting the past and engaging with the present, please support us. Help us to hold spaces for these crucial conversations, bridging the gap between past and present whilst inspiring transformative change in our society today. Your support will enable us to not only preserve the physical structure of the Castle and its grounds, but also sustain a dynamic platform for dialogue and reflection. Your generosity will ensure that Hartlebury Castle remains a unique space to inspire, question and explore for generations to come, shaping a future informed by the lessons of its past.