Wray Castle Restoration Project

Plans for the restoration of Wray Castle are continuing to move forward, with mobile network operators EE and Vodafone consulting on plans to relocate telecommunications equipment from the roof of Wray Castle, with a plan to replace masts which use a low-impact design tailored to blend into the Lake District World Heritage site landscape.

This step supports a wider investment project started by the National Trust in 2025 to restore the 1840s mock-Gothic property and improve the surrounding 64 acres (25.8 hectares) estate. So far, £280,000 has been invested in caring for Wray Castle and its estate.

Moving the equipment off the high castle battlements will relieve structural stress and prevent water from getting into the building, which is a problem.

Alongside this work, we’re progressing plans for repairs to the roof and upgrades to the castle’s electrics, lighting, toilets, fire and security systems. Plans for a new sewage treatment system are also moving forward, with work expected to start later next year, following consultations and the securing of relevant permits and permissions.

After years of exposure to the elements, the beautiful glasshouse at Wray is receiving some much-needed care. The National Trust’s Specialist Craft Centre (SCC) for joinery and carpentry, now based in Altrincham, is leading the conservation of one of the most damaged window units.

This intricate work began in 2024, when the first window was carefully removed and brought to the SCC workshop. Led by experienced craftsperson Stephen Holt, and supported by apprentice Paddy Boyle, the team is using traditional joinery techniques to retain as much original timber as possible. Severely decayed sections are being replaced with specially selected timber, spliced seamlessly into the existing frame.

The ironmongery, including pivot hinges and stays, was either missing or heavily corroded. These are now being recreated by a blacksmith at Fountains Abbey, where our masonry team is also based.

This project is part of a broader mission to preserve heritage skills. The SCC, one of ten across the country, plays a vital role in training the next generation of craftspeople. Apprentices Billy Burns and Paddy Boyle are gaining hands-on experience, both in the workshop and on-site, helping to ensure these skills live on.

The glasshouse window is now back in place welcoming light, air, and hopefully soon, plants once more. Some of the remaining windows will also be going to the SCC through the year for repair.

As part of ongoing conservation planning, the National Trust commissioned TW Architects Ltd to carry out a detailed condition survey of the high-level fabric and roofs at Wray Castle. The survey assessed how well the building’s structure protects against water ingress, especially important as we explore the potential for future exhibition spaces within the castle.

It focused on the castle’s distinctive slate roofs, parapets, towers, and turrets, all key features of its Gothic Revival architecture. With support from Abseil Commercial, who provided safe access and drone surveys, the team was able to inspect even the most inaccessible areas.

Key findings include:

• Water Management Challenges: Rainwater is channelled through lead valleys and parapet walls, but modern cabling and outdated infrastructure are affecting drainage efficiency.
• Climate Resilience: Increased rainfall due to climate change poses a growing risk of leaks, highlighting the need for improved drainage systems.
• Maintenance & Access: The complex roof structure makes regular inspection and cleaning difficult, yet essential—especially with issues like algae growth and bird activity contributing to blockages.

The report also includes a risk matrix to help prioritise areas most vulnerable to water ingress, particularly those above potential exhibition spaces. This work will inform future decisions to ensure Wray Castle remains both protected and fit for purpose.

Tucked beneath the grand porte-cochère (carriage porch) at Wray Castle lies a small but fascinating space—the Footman’s Lodge. Originally built between 1840 and 1847 as part of James and Margaret Dawson’s lavish holiday estate, this turreted room once served as the post for Wray’s footman.

Designed in the Gothic Revival style by architect John Jackson Lightfoot, the lodge was fitted with a fireplace to keep the footman warm during long evenings awaiting carriages. By day, he would have managed deliveries, greeted guests, and handled correspondence—an essential role in the smooth running of the estate.

Over time, the room fell out of use and by the 1920s had become a simple store. Now, thanks to a generous donation, the Footman’s Lodge has been beautifully restored. It is once again open to visitors, offering a glimpse into the working life of a grand Victorian household.

This restoration, alongside the nearby glasshouse, is part of our ongoing work to care for and share Wray Castle’s unique heritage while the main interior undergoes essential conservation.

 

As part of ongoing improvements at Wray Castle, we're preparing to replace the existing sewage treatment plant with a more modern and efficient system. To support this work, exploratory testing was carried out on the site's rain and surface water drainage.

Working with our contractors, RA Daltons and Abseil Commercial, we traced the flow of rainwater from the castle’s roof. The roof design at Wray relies on an intricate system of internal channels and pipework  through which all the rain water that lands on the roof flows and a water tanks system which no longer works as it should.

The survey involved bringing a huge tanker of water onto site  to replicate the rain. Using biologically safe, nature-friendly dyes, the water was tracked where it flowed and exited the site. While historical records gave us a good starting point, modern techniques allowed us to confirm the exact routes with greater accuracy.

The next phase will involve assessing the condition of the underground pipework. This will help us plan the necessary upgrades to ensure the rainwater system continues to function efficiently and sustainably.

To help plan for future use of Wray Castle’s ground floor spaces, structural engineers from Mann Williams and EATec Dynamics have carried out dynamic floor load testing throughout the building. This innovative, non-invasive method uses a portable device to gently vibrate the floor, while sensors measure how the structure responds.

The results give us a clear picture of how much weight each room can safely support, vital information for placing heavy museum displays or welcoming more visitors. Encouragingly, most rooms were found to be structurally sound, with a safe load capacity of up to 2.0 kN/m².

This work is part of our ongoing efforts to care for Wray Castle’s historic fabric while planning for its future use.

It’s been a busy few months at Wray Castle as we take important steps in the restoration project. Our appointed architects, Buttress, have been carrying out detailed conservation and condition reports to guide future repairs and ensure the building’s long-term care.

What’s been happening?

Two key reports have been completed:

1. Conservation Condition Report
This focuses on the castle’s historic and cultural significance, ensuring any restoration is sensitive and sustainable. It includes:

• Assessing the condition of historic materials and features.
• Identifying risks or damage to heritage elements.
• Recommending conservation treatments that respect the building’s history.
• Supporting documentation like photographs and historical context.

2. Asset Condition Report
This is broader and more technical, looking at the building as an operational asset. It covers:

• Evaluating systems such as electrical, plumbing, roofing, and structural integrity.
• Identifying defects that affect safety or usability.
• Prioritising repairs and upgrades for functionality.
• Supporting planning, budgeting, and compliance.

Together, these reports balance heritage conservation with practical upkeep, helping us protect Wray Castle for generations to come.

We’ve been working with specialist consultants, The Fire Surgery, to develop a fire strategy for Wray. This is an important step in ensuring the safety of the building while respecting its historic character.

For listed buildings, fire safety planning is a delicate balance. The strategy looks at how the building is constructed, how people can safely exit in an emergency, and what measures are in place to prevent and respond to fire. It’s designed to protect both people and the building’s unique heritage.

This strategy will also help us meet planning regulations and manage fire risks more effectively. It’s a living document—updated as the building evolves or legislation changes—so we can continue to operate safely and responsibly.

A Conservation Management Plan (CMP) is being developed for Wray by our appointed architects, Buttress. The CMP is a strategic document that helps ensure heritage assets like Wray Castle are preserved and thoughtfully managed. It brings together historical research, expert surveys, and long-term planning to support both conservation and public engagement.

Here’s how the CMP is shaping the future of Wray Castle:

1. Understanding Wray’s Significance

The CMP explores the castle’s rich history - from its Victorian origins to its varied uses over the year - and assesses its current condition. This helps everyone involved appreciate its cultural and architectural value.

2. Planning for Long-Term Care

The plan sets out how Wray Castle will be maintained over time, including policies for repairs, environmental improvements, and sustainable use of the estate.

3. Guiding Restoration Work

From roof repairs and rewiring to restoring estate buildings like the Glass House and Porter’s Lodge, the CMP provides a framework for all conservation efforts. It ensures that changes are sensitive to the castle’s character and heritage.

4. Bringing Knowledge Together

The CMP consolidates existing research, surveys, and management practices, offering clear recommendations for how the site can evolve - such as transforming the castle into a gallery space and eventually housing the National Trust’s Beatrix Potter collection.

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure Wray Castle’s future and the Conservation Management Plan is at the heart of it.