VIDEO: Boston Castle re-opens after restoration

NEWLY-restored Boston Castle hosted a day of family entertainment  as it hosted its first event since its £1.2 million makeover.

Drama, crafts and falconry displays will take place at the 18th century former hunting lodge, which was finally re-opened last week..

Work started on the lofty landmark last August with the cost split between Heritage Lottery Fund and Rotherham Borough Council.

Fiona Spiers, head of the HLF in Yorkshire, and the Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Dave Pickering performed the official duties—exactly 136 years after it was first opened as a public park.

Dr Spiers said: “This project has totally rejuvenated one of Rotherham’s most important and interesting buildings."

The fun day, from 11am to 3pm, will also include dancing performances from Canklow Woods Primary youngsters and drama from Thomas Rotherham College students.

Boston Castle was originally built as a lodge for the Earl of Effingham and completed in 1776.

It was named after the Boston Tea Party tax revolt as a show of support by the Earl for American independence.

Work on the exterior courtyard area was paid for with a £50,000 Biffaward grant secured by the Friends of Boston Castle and Parklands.

Secretary Janet Worrall said the restored Boston Castle would provide Rotherham with a unique site where visitors can enjoy and experience culture and leisure we well as a new learning facility.

She added: “It has taken ten years for the project to come to fruition and the Friends have supported the council in their bid for HLF money throughout the process.

“I hope the history of the building will attract visitors from far afield as well as locally and the people of our town will have both pride and take pleasure in the newly restored building, which has been a landmark for Rotherham for nearly 240 years.”

Starting next week, the castle will be open every Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday until the end of September. There will also be a calendar of workshops and talks.