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Petition launched to 'save Knaresborough Castle'

Thursday, 18 September 2025 14:16

Knaresborough Castle.

A new petition has been launched calling for urgent action to preserve Knaresborough Castle.

The petition, which has gathered more than 140 signatures, highlights concerns over the state of repair at the castle.

Organisers point to issues including weeds in the masonry, tree growth obscuring views and deteriorating paths and steps.

Supporters argue that the castle’s condition threatens both the heritage of the town and its tourism appeal, with fears that a lack of maintenance could eventually lead to closure.

They are urging North Yorkshire Council, which manages the site, to ringfence money raised from the castle estate – including car park revenue – for its upkeep.

The petition says:

"The castle is in a very poor state of repair causing erosion of its structure and obscuring the famous views from Castle top.

“The castle’s deterioration jeopardises economic contributions from tourism.

“If Knaresborough Castle’s decline continues ultimately it could be closed to the public which would be disastrous for the town.”

North Yorkshire Council is responsible for the maintenance of Knaresborough Castle and its grounds.

The authority has not yet responded publicly to the petition, but has previously said it is committed to caring for the county’s heritage sites within available budgets.

The petition can be viewed online here.

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