Hoghton Tower to receive share of £3.7million just in time for Christmas

Hoghton Tower Preservation Trust will receive a share of £3.7m from the third round of the government's Culture Recovery Fund to help pay for staff and keep the tower open.

Sitting between Blackburn and Preston, Hoghton Tower is a source of pride for the local community, many of whom are trained volunteers.

The fortified hilltop manor house, rebuilt by Sir Thomas Hoghton in the 1560’s will receive an award of £116,500 for staff costs to support plans for a fully opened house and garden and to help maintain financial sustainability in 2022.

Thirty four heritage organisations in the North are on the government's list, and will share the £3.7m cash boost.

Twenty-nine of those organisations care for historic sites, buildings, museums, railways and monuments, and will share £3.14m in continuity support grants

The remaining £604,300 in emergency grants will provide a lifeline to five organisations supported by the Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage

Other organisations in the North set to receive grants include:

• Chester Cathedral, Chester - £171,200
• Stainmore Railway Company, Kirkby, Cumbria - £16,000
• Penistone Cinema Organ Trust – £12,500
• Bidston Observatory Artistic Research Centre, Prenton near Liverpool – CRF3 £27,200
• Manchester Histories - £42,200

Across England, almost 140 heritage organisations will benefit from £15.5million this Christmas.

Places like Alexandra Park and Palace and The British Music Experience in Liverpool will receive a share of £14.8million in continuity support grants as part of this next round of funding.

And almost £1million in emergency grants will also be awarded to 12 Heritage organisations struggling to survive, providing them with a financial lifeline.

Heritage Minister Nigel Huddleston said: "I'm delighted that this vital funding from our unprecedented Culture Recovery Fund is giving so many brilliant heritage organisations a helping hand this winter.

"I want everyone to enjoy what our fascinating and diverse heritage has to offer and with this money we're safeguarding these organisations for generations to come."

A total of £138million has been awarded to heritage organisations from the three rounds of the government’s £2billion Culture Recovery Fund support package made available for arts, culture and heritage organisations during the pandemic.

This third round of grants are part of the additional £300million announced by the Chancellor at March’s Budget.

Chief Executive of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Ros Kerslake, said: “This latest round provides a welcome Christmas boost for Heritage organisations.

"With the situation changing daily, the funding will be crucial in helping heritage sites navigate their seasonal activities ensuring the safety of their visitors and their communities.

"The grants will also support organisations in implementing business plans as they work round the challenges for the coming year."

Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive, Historic England said: “We are delighted that the Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage grants continue to keep so many heritage organisations going.

"From major historic buildings to small community organisations promoting local heritage – all deserve this support, to continue to open up to everyone the opportunities that our shared history creates.”

The Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage is administered by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, in partnership with Historic England on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.