Whittington Castle Preservation Trust (the Trust) intends to seek financial assistance from various bodies concerned with the preservation of the historic environment to enable the implementation of works for the preservation and enhancement of the Castle site. The Trust wishes to appoint consultants to assist in the initial stages of appraising the feasibility of a project for the site. This briefing document is an outline of the manner in which it is envisaged the first stage of the project is to progress. The appointed consultancy, consisting of a multi-disciplinary team, will undertake this initial appraisal through a scoping study.

The Trust was established in December 1998 in response to concerns for the long term future of the site, its deteriorating structure and setting. The Castle site is presently underused and the potential benefits to both the community and visitors are not exploited.

The aims of the Trust, in addition to those objects as outlined in its memorandum and articles of association, are to ensure the long term future of the Castle site through securing a compatible use which will maximise wider benefits to the local community and visitors, increase their physical and intellectual access to the site, preserve and enhance the cultural, architectural, archaeological, landscape and ecological significance of the Castle and its setting.

The Trust is committed to preserving and enhancing the Castle site in providing a resource for future generations to enjoy. Proposals should have clear regard to the site's cultural, historic, archaeological, architectural landscape, ecological and community significance and the following;

1. Minimum intervention whether to historic fabric or archaeological deposits,

2. Where interventions are necessary their effect is minimised and where possible reversible,

3. The aesthetic, ecological and landscape value of the site and structures are not jeopardised,

4. Interpretation, education and the recording of the implementation of the proposals form a central element,

5. The visual setting to the Castle is preserved and enhanced.

Whittington Castle is located approximately three miles north-east of Oswestry, in Shropshire, opposite the junction of the A495 and B5009 ( NG Ref.325631 09 ). The Castle lies at the centre of Whittington village, a designated Conservation Area, as illustrated on the front cover to this brief. The Castle is one of the few remaining Marcher Castles largely intact and, although in a poor condition, is relatively well preserved and forms a prominent landmark in the local landscape. A location plan can be found in Appendix A.

Although the site has a long history as a defensive position, probably dating back to the 9th. century, the structures evident are largely 13th. century in origin. The Castle was constructed by Fulke Fitz Warine in around 1221. Much of the visible damage dates from the 18th. century as a result of structural failure and demolition to provide material for the repair of local highways. The Castle is surrounded by a defensive ring of extensive earthworks to the south and west. The principal buildings capable of use and intact are the gatehouse, which faces the public highway and forms the corporate symbol of Oswestry Borough Council, and the attached 17th. Century cottage. Further information can be sought from the County Record Office and County Sites & Monuments Record, contacts for which are given at the end of this brief.

Whittington Castle is included in the statutory Schedule of Ancient Monuments and the List of Buildings of Special Architectural and Historic Interest at grade 1 and, as previously mentioned, lies at the heart of the Whittington village Conservation Area. These designations indicate the significance of the site both archaeologically and architecturally as a site of particular national importance. The extent of these designations is illustrated in Appendix B.

No comprehensive condition survey of the whole site has been undertaken. The gatehouse and cottage form the only occupiable area and were surveyed in 1994, as part of a state and condition assessment. The report indicated a number of structural problems which are being monitored by English Heritage, the Ancient Monuments Inspectors' number is given in the list of contacts. It is believed the remainder of the Castle, bar the South East tower, is in reasonable condition. However, the structures are identified as a Category D 'Building at Risk' within the recently launched English Heritage strategy of May 1998, although this is under reconsideration. This strategy identifies the nation's finest buildings which are at risk from further deterioration in their fabric. At Whittington, the nature and condition of the landscape and ecology varies across the site and special attention must be given to the setting of the Castle as the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. The survival of the defensive earthworks is particularly significant as survey work may explain or reveal other features of interest. The ponds, vegetative cover, parking areas, cabling, surrounding development and play areas to varying extents add or detract from the character of the site as a result of their condition and visual impact. No Tree Preservation Orders or Sites of Special Scientific Interest are present within the site, which is defined by the Scheduled area, as illustrated in Appendix B.

As the site is a Scheduled Ancient Monument works to the fabric or site require consent from the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. Advice is taken from English Heritage who act as specialist advisors. Local policies for the protection of the site are outlined in policy HE 1 5 of the Deposit Draft of the Oswestry Borough Local Plan, a copy of this policy is indicated in Appendix C. The policy has a general presumption against developments which would cause damage to the monument or its setting. This does not preclude development at the Whittington Castle site, but it should only be considered where it is absolutely necessary to ensure the viability of a project and can be clearly justified.

The Castle buildings are owned by Lady Newborough and Mrs Hamilton Hill and are currently on lease to the Monumental Trust of Gwent until 17th March 1999. The remainder of the site is owned by three others. The respective extent of land ownership is illustrated on the accompanying map in Appendix D. Access to the site is not restricted but sufficient notice should be given to the owners, the addresses and telephone numbers of whom are given in Appendix E.

A single public right of way exists through the site. Footpath number 39's route is indicated in Appendix F. Careful consideration should be given to how this path and public access in general to the site could be enhanced to increase the appreciation and understanding of the sites special character and features.

The Trusts' Project Coordinator has specific responsibility as the first point of contact between the Consultant and the Trust, to answer any queries regarding this brief or the project as a whole and to work closely with the appointed Consultant. The Project Coordinator's address is given in the list of contacts at the end of the brief.

The role of the appointed consultancy and its professional team will be to assist the Trust in the production a final feasibility study report, to provide an objective and professional assessment of appropriate options for the sites long term future. The consultants report should clearly and precisely indicate the likely success or failure of various options in both conservation and financial terms. It should enable the Trust to demonstrate to other interested bodies;

1. the importance of the site and its buildings,

2. the beneficial options for its future,

3. the viability of a project,

4. the principal areas of further work required.

In broad terms it is expected the appointed consultants will investigate the site in a holistic manner in determining;

1. the special character and condition of the site, its buildings and setting,

2. the planning and other constraints likely to affect a proposed use,

3. the likely cost of the project and any borrowing requirements,

4. the need and extent for external funds to enable a viable project,

It is envisaged that the Consultancy appointed to produce the scoping study and assist in the preparation of the final feasibility report should consist of the following professional disciplines, with experience in the preservation and enhancement of the historic environment;

1. Architecture,

2. Archaeology,

3. Landscape Architecture,

4. Structural Engineering,

5. Quantity Surveying,

6. Tourism & Leisure 1 Heritage Management

The Trust will be separately appointing a Valuer and it is expected will be consulted as necessary, their number is given in the list of contacts.

The scoping study report the Consultancy presents will enable the Trust to produce a final feasibility study report and should consist of the following, and meet the Architectural Heritage Fund's model, as a minimum requirement, as outlined in Appendix G to this brief;

1. identify potential long term viable options for the use of the Castle buildings and site which address the aims of the Trust, and prepare outline costs for capital works, revenue generation and management proposals.

2. Identify and illustrate those features of the Castle's setting which add to the character of the site which should be preserved and those which detract from the character of the site and propose alternative arrangements.

3. Identify whether any works are required for the urgent preservation of the site and provide a specification of urgent repair works.

4. Provide sketch survey drawings, plans and illustrations indicating the condition and significance of the Castle site and buildings.

5. Identify current public uses and features of the site which are compatible or conflict with its significance.

6. Meet at least once during the preparation of the scoping study and report fortnightly to the Trust to indicate progress and discuss issues.

7. Undertake consultations with all necessary bodies as the Trust determines and specifically the following; English Heritage, Whittington Parish Council, Oswestry Borough Council, Shropshire County Council and the Valuer.

8. Once the scoping study is presented and the Trust determines its preferred option, assist in the publication of the final feasibility report and prepare a sketch business plan for the preferred option.

9. Once the scoping study has been presented to the Trust and the final feasibility report is completed, present this final document to a public meeting, including a public exhibition.

All reports and written material shall be presented as bound documents at A4 size. Any illustrations or plans larger than A4 should be folded and bound into the document or inserted into a wallet bound into the back of the document ( excluding those materials for the public exhibition

Twelve copies of the scoping study report shall be provided by the Consultant to the Trust to enable consultation with bodies prior to the production of the final feasibility study report.

Twelve copies of the final feasibility study report will also be provided to the Trust.

In order for the Trust to select the professional team for undertaking the scoping study Consultants are required to submit a response to this brief. Following any discussions with the Trust or site visits Consultants should provide a project proposal outlining;

1. The technical capabilities of the multi-disciplinary team, ie. staff qualifications, resources, ability, experience, references and organisational arrangements, including identifying the lead professional.

2. The scope and approach of the proposed work to be undertaken in order to meet the brief, including a method statement, resource allocation and quality standards.

3. The fee to be charged for the study should it proceed with individual quotations for each professional, stating whether expenses are included and defined, with a breakdown of hourly 1 daily rates and the likely time to be spent on the study by each professional.

4. The fee scale to be adopted for the project should it proceed with a breakdown as above.

5. Outline omissions in the brief and suggest amendments.

6. Anticipated study commencement and completion dates.

The above should be submitted to the Trusts' Project Coordinator at the address given by Monday lst March. It is intended those shortlisted will be invited for interviews on Monday 8th.March.

The consultant shall be chosen on the basis of ability and quality, not minimum fee quotation.

The appointment of a Consultant to prepare the scoping study in assisting the Trust in producing a feasibility study report Will be subject to the securing of grant assistance from various bodies for consultancy fees.

It is envisaged the cost of meeting the contents of the brief should be in the region of £15,000

Last modified: May 06, 2002