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Campaign to save Knaresborough Castle reaches Parliament

Friday, 19 December 2025 11:41

A campaign to save Knaresborough Castle is gathering pace.

A campaign to 'save' Knaresborough Castle and protect and restore the site has reached Parliament.

Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has presented a petition to Parliament.

The much-loved landmark sits at the heart of the community, but years of neglect have taken a visible toll.

Crumbling stonework, overgrown areas and unsafe, deteriorating paths now threaten the future of the castle.

Tom’s work supports the community-led campaign run by Kathy Allday, which has already gathered more than 2,300 online signatures, as well as the efforts of Liberal Democrat councillors Matt Walker and Hannah Gostlow.

Tom said:

"Knaresborough Castle is a fantastic local landmark, but years of unacceptable neglect have left it in urgent need of care – from worn stonework to overgrown areas and unsafe, deteriorating paths.

"By handing this petition into Parliament, I am standing with the community campaign led by Kathy Allday in calling for a proper restoration plan and guaranteed funding to secure the castle’s future.

"Now is the time for the Government to step up, and for North Yorkshire Council and the Duchy of Lancaster to make restoring this much-loved site an urgent priority."

The petition calls on North Yorkshire Council, which is responsible for the castle, to work with the Duchy of Lancaster to make restoration a priority.

It urges the development of a long-term plan, backed by dedicated funding, to protect the structure, preserve its heritage and secure the site for future generations.

Hannah Gostlow added:

“This castle means so much to Knaresborough, not only as a cornerstone to our visitor economy and heritage, but as an important community asset in our daily life, where we meet with friends, walk our dogs, and celebrate events - we want it to be cared for, just as we care for it.”

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