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HARTLEBURY CASTLE What does the future hold? Peter + Selby, The Bishop of Worcester, has recently announced that he will retire next September and it has been decided that future bishops will not live at Hartlebury Castle. Many people in Hartlebury, Ombersley and elsewhere are concerned about the future of the castle and the Hurd Library. Not only is the castle a Grade One listed building with a wonderful medieval great hall and a elegant saloon; it also contains a unique and beautiful Library built by Bishop Hurd in 1782 for his books. George III, who was a friend and visited the castle with his family, gave a number of the books to him.
The Hurd Library is a rare survival of an intact bishop's Library from the 18th century, still in its original room, with its beautiful original furniture. To remove the books, as has been proposed, would be a grave loss to our heritage. The Castle and the Library should, we believe, be retained for public use and enjoyment. A large part of the castle already contains the County Museum, recently developed most imaginatively, with a new entrance and shop, a lift to allow disabled access and an excellent tea room (do try it!) The rest of the building could be used for weddings, concerts, plays, exhibitions and meetings. All that is needed is imagination and determination to keep it for public use. If you share our concern about the future of Hartlebury Castle and the Hurd Library as a matter of urgency please write to your MP - Dr Richard Taylor MP, House of Commons, London SWIA OAA Please contact us for further information. |
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