What's the latest!, ----I know there was a feasibility study done earlier this year, ---the aim was to see how best to save the Castle and promote it, --there was quite a few ideas and suggestions put forward, ------I hoped there might have been an announcement by now, --but I havent read anything or heard anything for a while, ---does anyone know or heard anything? thanks.

I randomly drove past Hylton Castle for the first time a month or so ago, it looks very impressive. Does anyone know the history of it?

It's a shame it can't be promoted as a tourist attraction like Warkworth or Dunsturburgh castles.

I randomly drove past Hylton Castle for the first time a month or so ago, it looks very impressive. Does anyone know the history of it?

It's a shame it can't be promoted as a tourist attraction like Warkworth or Dunsturburgh castles.


There's quite a lot of History to this Castle --with one major connection being George Washington's family, -------the Castle was built in the late 1300s/early 1400s, ----by a Baron Hylton, ---there is a --Friends of Hylton Castle group who want to protect and Develop the Castle/Dene and Chapel, -there was recently a feasibility being carried out, ----but I don't know the outcome, ---the promotion of this Castle has been discussed for years, ---I hope we learn soon of something possitive.



http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t282/BRITISH100/248px-Hylton_Castle.jpg

Could Lotto money not be used for this ?

Could Lotto money not be used for this ?

I think they are to apply for Heritage Lottery Funds, ---probably next year.

I think they are to apply for Heritage Lottery Funds, ---probably next year.

I hope they suceed.

I hope they suceed.


I think the group have done a Feasibility Study, --and are preparing a bid, --it's taken a few years for them, --so hopefully they might succeed , --maybe next year.

I think the group have done a Feasibility Study, --and are preparing a bid, --it's taken a few years for them, --so hopefully they might succeed , --maybe next year.

Any more news on this ?

Any more news on this ?


Still waiting to here from the group, ---never heard anymore on the feasibility study.

Lets hope these kind of events can help promote the Castle and Dene, ---and also help secure Herritage Lottery Funding, ---this from the Echo, ---




Battle of Hylton re-enactment at castle


ON THE MARCH: Roundheads and Cavaliers will descend on Hytlon Castle to do battle.

Published Date:
21 May 2010
By Ross Robertson
Roundheads and Cavaliers will bring the little-known Battle of Hylton back to life in the grounds of Sunderland's historic castle.
Hordes of warriors will descend on Hylton Castle this summer to recreate the conflict as part one of the country's biggest re-enactments.

The 17th Century armies will set up camp in Seaburn before moving to the historic landmark for their battle.

Denny Wilson, co-organiser and heritage campaigner, hopes it will pull in visitors and showcase the city, as well as mark an important but little-known part of Wearside's history.

He said: "The other great thing about this group is they will stay in costume from the day they arrive until they go home, so you'll see Cavaliers going for a pint and Roundheads walking about town.

"People will be able to see the camp and learn more about how they lived and the civilian side to it."

The re-enactors will stay at Seaburn Camp next to Morrison's on the seafront.

The battle itself – performed by the Sealed Knot, Britain's biggest re-enactment group – will take place at Hylton Castle on August 14 and 15, and will include artillery and cavalrymen.

It is part of a drive by the Friends of Hylton Dene to see the 14th Century fortress brought back into use as a visitor centre.

It has been organised by the Friends with English Heritage – the custodian of the castle – and Sunderland City Council, which has contributed funding and owns the dene.

Coun Wilson, a member of the Friends group, hopes the event will prove to others – including the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) – that the overall project is a winner.

"This re-enactment, of a battle fought almost 400 years ago near Hylton Castle, can have a very important bearing on its future," said Coun Wilson, a member of the Friends group.

"A successful re-enactment weekend will help the HLF see for themselves the future potential of Hylton Castle and Dene, with the three main partners Sunderland City Council, English Heritage and the Friends group all working together to make it happen."

Organisers say there will be a full programme of entertainment over the mid-August weekend.

Visit www.thesealedknot.org.uk or www.sunderlandevents.co.uk, or call Sunderland Tourist Information on 553 2000.

ABOUT THE BATTLE OF HYLTON
THE Battle of Hylton, also known as the Battle of Boldon Hill, took place in March 1644.

Sunderland was controlled by the Parliamentary army and was an important supply port for Cromwell and his allies in Scotland, as Newcastle and the Tyne were held by the Royalists.

Experts, including Maureen Meikle from Sunderland University, say the city played an important part in the Civil War and the role of the little-known Battle of Hylton should not be ignored.

If it had seen the Royalists take control of Sunderland, it would have denied the Scottish forces access to supplies and meant they could not take part in the pivotal Battle of Marston Moor a few months later.

It is said Cromwell could not have won at Marston Moor without the Scottish Covenanters.

The Civil War also boosted Sunderland's fortunes. As the Tyne was blockaded by Parliamentarian ships, Wearside prospered from the boost in trade as coal and other products had to be shipped out of the Wear.


Page 1 of 1

Lets hope these kind of events can help promote the Castle and Dene, ---and also help secure Herritage Lottery Funding, ---this from the Echo, ---




Battle of Hylton re-enactment at castle


ON THE MARCH: Roundheads and Cavaliers will descend on Hytlon Castle to do battle.

Published Date:
21 May 2010
By Ross Robertson
Roundheads and Cavaliers will bring the little-known Battle of Hylton back to life in the grounds of Sunderland's historic castle.
Hordes of warriors will descend on Hylton Castle this summer to recreate the conflict as part one of the country's biggest re-enactments.

The 17th Century armies will set up camp in Seaburn before moving to the historic landmark for their battle.

Denny Wilson, co-organiser and heritage campaigner, hopes it will pull in visitors and showcase the city, as well as mark an important but little-known part of Wearside's history.

He said: "The other great thing about this group is they will stay in costume from the day they arrive until they go home, so you'll see Cavaliers going for a pint and Roundheads walking about town.

"People will be able to see the camp and learn more about how they lived and the civilian side to it."

The re-enactors will stay at Seaburn Camp next to Morrison's on the seafront.

The battle itself – performed by the Sealed Knot, Britain's biggest re-enactment group – will take place at Hylton Castle on August 14 and 15, and will include artillery and cavalrymen.

It is part of a drive by the Friends of Hylton Dene to see the 14th Century fortress brought back into use as a visitor centre.

It has been organised by the Friends with English Heritage – the custodian of the castle – and Sunderland City Council, which has contributed funding and owns the dene.

Coun Wilson, a member of the Friends group, hopes the event will prove to others – including the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) – that the overall project is a winner.

"This re-enactment, of a battle fought almost 400 years ago near Hylton Castle, can have a very important bearing on its future," said Coun Wilson, a member of the Friends group.

"A successful re-enactment weekend will help the HLF see for themselves the future potential of Hylton Castle and Dene, with the three main partners Sunderland City Council, English Heritage and the Friends group all working together to make it happen."

Organisers say there will be a full programme of entertainment over the mid-August weekend.

Visit www.thesealedknot.org.uk or www.sunderlandevents.co.uk, or call Sunderland Tourist Information on 553 2000.

ABOUT THE BATTLE OF HYLTON
THE Battle of Hylton, also known as the Battle of Boldon Hill, took place in March 1644.

Sunderland was controlled by the Parliamentary army and was an important supply port for Cromwell and his allies in Scotland, as Newcastle and the Tyne were held by the Royalists.

Experts, including Maureen Meikle from Sunderland University, say the city played an important part in the Civil War and the role of the little-known Battle of Hylton should not be ignored.

If it had seen the Royalists take control of Sunderland, it would have denied the Scottish forces access to supplies and meant they could not take part in the pivotal Battle of Marston Moor a few months later.

It is said Cromwell could not have won at Marston Moor without the Scottish Covenanters.

The Civil War also boosted Sunderland's fortunes. As the Tyne was blockaded by Parliamentarian ships, Wearside prospered from the boost in trade as coal and other products had to be shipped out of the Wear.


Page 1 of 1

We have never got on well with those geordies.

^^^^

:lol:, --Aye I think this is where it all stemmed from, ---but seriously, ---I hope these type of events help in some way, ---because Hylton Castle is another of our Heritage sites that need saving and protecting.

^^^^

:lol:, --Aye I think this is where it all stemmed from, ---but seriously, ---I hope these type of events help in some way, ---because Hylton Castle is another of our Heritage sites that need saving and protecting.


I would second that pal.

I would second that pal.


Hylton Castle and Dene--could well become a tourist attraction along with -- various other Historic buildings, --of course it will have to be Developed and promoted in the right way, --hopefully we might hear something about any possible plans this year.

Here's a bit of news regarding an event which will take place at Hylton Castle, ------called --Battle of Hylton Castle Re-enactment, ------one of the UK's largest Civil War re-enactments will be taking place at Sunderlands Hylton Castle, ----Visitors can witness a "Battle"---in front of the Historic Castle, --with hundreds of Pikemen and Musketeers supported by the Cavalry and cannons, ----the programme will include Living History Camps, ---there will also be entertainment and refreshments ----the Event will take place on the --14th and 15th of August, ---entrance is free, ---should be a good day out for a family.

Hylton reunion, :banana: ---this from the Echo





Hylton Castle reunion for the Hiltons

Members of the Hiltons with piper Richie Duffy



Published Date:
07 August 2010
By Ross Robertson
Welcome home.
A horde of Hiltons from as far as the U.S. and as near as Millfield gathered at their families' ancestral castle as part of a grand reunion tour of Wearside's historic sites.

Heritage buffs say the visit will raise the profile of plans to bring Hylton Castle back into use and boost visitor numbers to the city.

Among those visiting were Jerry and Betty Hilton from Brookfield, a suburb of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Earl and Carol Anne Hilton from Midlothian County, Virginia; and Fred and Sondra Carlson from New York.

Retired history teacher Sondra is a direct descendent of William Hilton of Biddick, Washington, the founding father of the state of New Hampshire.

"I visited the castle three years ago and it's great to be back," she said.

"I'd like to see the castle restored."

Earl Hilton discovered the castle existed after meeting Eric Lamberton – who wrote the book the Hiltons of Hylton Castle – online while researching his family tree.

"It was a surprise to find out it was here," said Earl. "I would like to see it restored, it's a link to the past."

The Hilton reunion tour also took in St Peter's Church at Monkwearmouth, which is bidding for World Heritage Status, Washington Old Hall and Penshaw Monument.

The 10-day trip will also see the descendents visit other sites around the North East, including Lumley Castle where their guide, Sunderland heritage expert Mick Bute, will give a talk on the Hiltons' links with Alice in Wonderland author Lewis Carrol.

The visitors were serenaded on their visit by piper Richie Duff from the 101 Artillery Northumbrian Regiment Pipe Band.

Joining the overseas visitors were Tom and Marion Hilton, from Millfield, and their granddaughter Katy, 16.

They have been tracing their family tree and hope one day to find the links between them and their distant cousins.

Campaigners are pressing ahead with plans to make Hylton Castle a working building once more with community and visitor facilities.

John Coulthard, from the Friends of Hylton Dene, said: "This is the third visit we've had and it's nice to maintain friendly relations with the Hylton families and it's good to see them back."

Sounds though a few thousand enjoyed this event, ---this from the Echo, --




Thousands watch Hylton Castle battle

BATTLE READY: Kate Howard prepares one of the canons at the re-enactment.

published Date: 16 August 2010
Thousands of families turned out to see Roundheads and Cavaliers do battle in the re-enactment of a famous Wearside conflict.
Enthusiasts gathered to recreate the Battle of Hylton, which took place during the English Civil War in March, 1644.

Up to 2,500 warriors are believed to have died in the encounter, as Royalist forces which had support in Newcastle and the Tyne Valley took on the Parliamentary army, which had control of Sunderland.

Artillery and cavalrymen prepared for almost a week as battle lines were drawn at Hylton Castle.

Mum Lisa McGuinness, of Fulwell, took her six-year-old son Cameron Smith to the event.

"It's absolutely outstanding," said Lisa.

"It's fantastic that there's a free event like this on and I've heard that people have come from all over the country to be involved."

Redby Primary School pupil Cameron said he was excited to "see the swords and guns" used by recreation volunteers in the grounds of the historic castle.

There were fears that the weekend could be a washout, after a large amount of rain fell during last week.

But the skies above Sunderland brightened up on Saturday and Sunday afternoon to welcome the crowds.

Rachel Lacey, assistant organiser and member of the Sealed Knot, who are Britain's biggest re-enactment group, said: "It's marvellous that the weather has improved so that the people of Sunderland can come and see the re-enactment.

"We have had a lad from the English Channel travel up through the night to be here and that shows the dedication. There are people from all over the country who have come here.

"It's not well known that here were a lot of battles in this area during the Civil War, and this is one of the main reasons there is a rivalry between Geordies and Mackems.

"It led to the beginning of the end for Charles I and set Sunderland up as a port."

Coun Denny Wilson, co-organiser and heritage campaigner, hailed the success of the re-enactment, as the council looks to bring Hylton Castle and Dene back into use as a visitor centre.

He said: "The weather is a big factor but the crowd has turned out and the staff have done brilliantly for this first event.

"We hope everybody who comes has had a really great day.

"The main reason is that Sunderland City Council and the Friends of Hylton Castle are hoping to put a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) bid in to make it a recreation, education and leisure site, which is what we are doing with the re-enactment."

Page 1 of 1

Last Updated: 16 August 2010

Lets hope they are successful with there bid, --good luck, ---this from the Sunderland Echo, --


Friends of Hylton Castle Chair Keith Younghusband ( right) with members Pam Tate and Bill Higham celebrating the submission of a heritage lottery funding bid to restore the castle.




Published on Wednesday 27 April 2011 12:32



A FUNDING bid has finally been submitted to restore and reopen historic Hylton Castle.


Campaigners have been fighting for more than a decade to see the 14th-century fortress brought back into use.

Now community workers, heritage experts and council chiefs have submitted a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Keith Younghusband, chairman of Friends of Hylton Dene, said: “We think we’ve got a good case and we’ve got support from three groups – the Friends of Hylton Dene, Sunderland City Council and English Heritage.”

Proposed uses for the castle include a fully-functioning visitor attraction and community centre, to a wedding venue and youth sleepover venue.

Mr Younghusband said the main aim was to put a roof on the castle, and repair the building to an acceptable level.

The cost is expected to be substantial, and Mr Younghusband said the all-party group behind the bid would need to look at how much it got before deciding how to move forward.

“We’ve done as much as we can do, it’s a matter of waiting now,” he said.

“If we can’t get the funding then we can’t go ahead, but even if we get turned down the first time we can still apply again.”

He added: “It’s got to be sustainable, and we’ve got to show it’s sustainable.
Read more http://www.sunderlandecho.com/community/lotto_bid_is_in_for_castle_renovation_1_3326556

Lets hope they are successful with there bid, --good luck, ---this from the Sunderland Echo, --


Friends of Hylton Castle Chair Keith Younghusband ( right) with members Pam Tate and Bill Higham celebrating the submission of a heritage lottery funding bid to restore the castle.




Published on Wednesday 27 April 2011 12:32



A FUNDING bid has finally been submitted to restore and reopen historic Hylton Castle.


Campaigners have been fighting for more than a decade to see the 14th-century fortress brought back into use.

Now community workers, heritage experts and council chiefs have submitted a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Keith Younghusband, chairman of Friends of Hylton Dene, said: “We think we’ve got a good case and we’ve got support from three groups – the Friends of Hylton Dene, Sunderland City Council and English Heritage.”

Proposed uses for the castle include a fully-functioning visitor attraction and community centre, to a wedding venue and youth sleepover venue.

Mr Younghusband said the main aim was to put a roof on the castle, and repair the building to an acceptable level.

The cost is expected to be substantial, and Mr Younghusband said the all-party group behind the bid would need to look at how much it got before deciding how to move forward.

“We’ve done as much as we can do, it’s a matter of waiting now,” he said.

“If we can’t get the funding then we can’t go ahead, but even if we get turned down the first time we can still apply again.”

He added: “It’s got to be sustainable, and we’ve got to show it’s sustainable.
Read more http://www.sunderlandecho.com/community/lotto_bid_is_in_for_castle_renovation_1_3326556

Any further news on this.

^^^^

No further news yet kb, ---they didn't give a date when they would hear from the Lottery people, ---hope they get some funding though.

^^^^

No further news yet kb, ---they didn't give a date when they would hear from the Lottery people, ---hope they get some funding though.

I would love it to happen.

I would love it to happen.

The bid team have good backing from a number of organisations, --I think they have a decent chance of getting some funding, --fingers crossed.

Walked through Hylton Dene today and it occured to me that this site could given the right financial backing be developed into something that would really benefit our city.

Walked through Hylton Dene today and it occured to me that this site could given the right financial backing be developed into something that would really benefit our city.


Yeah your right, ---and I'm sure I read a couple of years ago, --that the Dene would be included when they applied for funding to restore the Castle, --fingers crossed that they get that funding, --could be a good tourist attraction --if done correctly.

Bad news regarding the Heritage Lotto Fund, ----
this from the Sunderland Echo, ---


Lottery cash blow for Sunderland castle revamp


Hylton Castle in Sunderland



By Ross Robertson
Published on Friday 5 August 2011 13:54



A BID to bring historic Hylton Castle back into use has been turned down for funding.


Plans are afoot to transform what remains of the 14th-century fortress into everything from a visitor centre to youth disco venue.

But the proposals have met a major stumbling block after the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) decided not to fund the project in the latest round of handouts.

Sunderland City Council submitted the bid on behalf of a multi-party group which included campaign group Friends of Hylton Dene, incorporating Castle in the Community, and English Heritage.

The team remains hopeful that the project can still go ahead in the future.

John Kelly, the senior councillor responsible for culture in Sunderland, said: “Unfortunately the bidding process for funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund was oversubscribed on this occasion.

“While we are naturally disappointed with the HLF’s decision not to fund the application for Hylton Castle, the plans to restore this important landmark are still very much in place.

“We will be meeting with the HLF in due time to better understand why our application was turned down, and to look at ways we can make an improved bid for funding in the future.”

Read more http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/local/lottery_cash_blow_for_sunderland_castle_revamp_1_3652143

How depressing.

How depressing.


Aye not good news, ----but they can always submit another bid, --and hope for better luck, --maybe next year.

Just heard a snatch of a story on Sun FM that Hylton Castle will open as a new revamped centre in 2016 got to be good news for the city.

^^^^

Yeah I hope this is just the start, --this from the Sunderland Echo, --

More funding for Sunderland castle development project Keith Younghusband, chairman of the Friends of Hylton Dene, with the latest fire damage to Hylton Castle, Sunderland.

Published on 03/04/2013 06:30


WORK to redevelop one of Sunderland’s oldest buildings can begin after a community bid landed a £153,000 grant.


The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) cash will allow Friends of Hylton Castle and Dene and Sunderland City Council to begin the first stage of plans to make the site a heritage-led learning and educational resources centre.

If successful, the money could lead to the groups securing a second and final grant worth £2.9million.

Keith Younghusband, chairman of the Friends of Hylton Castle and Dene, said: “This is the best news possible, and we are absolutely thrilled.

“We have been working towards this for many years and feel that we are another step forward to fulfilling our ambitions to see the castle restored to its former glory.

Read more http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/local/all-news/more-funding-for-sunderland-castle-development-project-1-5543222

ABOUT THE BATTLE OF HYLTON
THE Battle of Hylton, also known as the Battle of Boldon Hill, took place in March 1644.

Sunderland was controlled by the Parliamentary army and was an important supply port for Cromwell and his allies in Scotland, as Newcastle and the Tyne were held by the Royalists.

Experts, including Maureen Meikle from Sunderland University, say the city played an important part in the Civil War and the role of the little-known Battle of Hylton should not be ignored.

If it had seen the Royalists take control of Sunderland, it would have denied the Scottish forces access to supplies and meant they could not take part in the pivotal Battle of Marston Moor a few months later.

It is said Cromwell could not have won at Marston Moor without the Scottish Covenanters.

The Civil War also boosted Sunderland's fortunes. As the Tyne was blockaded by Parliamentarian ships, Wearside prospered from the boost in trade as coal and other products had to be shipped out of the Wear.


Page 1 of 1[/QUOTE]

Boldon Hill was also known locally as "Nanny Cow Hill".
The churchwarden of St Nicholas Church in West Boldon at the time was named Atkinson. He was pressed into service by the Scots to show them where to find water and was then taken to their camp in Sunderand for questioning. Meanwhile, Atkinson's son Bob had been sent by the Rector to the Royalist camp to complain to General Lucas about the behaviour of his troops and was pressed into service on their side.
Towards the end of the battle in the twighlight, Bob saw a lone figure crossing Nanny Cow Hill and took him prisoner before he realised it was his father making his way home.
Pete
(Source: "Boldon's Witness in Church and Community - 1983)

ABOUT THE BATTLE OF HYLTON
THE Battle of Hylton, also known as the Battle of Boldon Hill, took place in March 1644.

Sunderland was controlled by the Parliamentary army and was an important supply port for Cromwell and his allies in Scotland, as Newcastle and the Tyne were held by the Royalists.

Experts, including Maureen Meikle from Sunderland University, say the city played an important part in the Civil War and the role of the little-known Battle of Hylton should not be ignored.

If it had seen the Royalists take control of Sunderland, it would have denied the Scottish forces access to supplies and meant they could not take part in the pivotal Battle of Marston Moor a few months later.

It is said Cromwell could not have won at Marston Moor without the Scottish Covenanters.

The Civil War also boosted Sunderland's fortunes. As the Tyne was blockaded by Parliamentarian ships, Wearside prospered from the boost in trade as coal and other products had to be shipped out of the Wear.


Page 1 of 1

Boldon Hill was also known locally as "Nanny Cow Hill".
The churchwarden of St Nicholas Church in West Boldon at the time was named Atkinson. He was pressed into service by the Scots to show them where to find water and was then taken to their camp in Sunderand for questioning. Meanwhile, Atkinson's son Bob had been sent by the Rector to the Royalist camp to complain to General Lucas about the behaviour of his troops and was pressed into service on their side.
Towards the end of the battle in the twighlight, Bob saw a lone figure crossing Nanny Cow Hill and took him prisoner before he realised it was his father making his way home.
Pete
(Source: "Boldon's Witness in Church and Community - 1983)[/QUOTE]


There is a long History of Sunderland, --and of the North of the City, with regards to the Battle of Hylton/Boldon Hills, --I think the suggestion that there might have been a different outcome of the Civil War had Sunderland backed the Royalists--could well be correct, ---however I can well understand Sunderland siding with the Parliamentarians, --as they were being restricted in Trading due to a Royal Charter, ----this is a good post mate, --btw, --welcome to the forum. cheers.

Boldon hills are still named nanny cow hill on the O.S. maps!!! strange name?

Yes. I wonder if it's a bastardization of an older name. Like Pity Me in Durham is supposed to be derived from Petite Mer after a lake that was in the area during Norman times.
I didn't know it was still shown on the OS maps. Thanks for the info.
Pete