Historic Cowdray Ruins awarded more than £45,000 in lottery funding to help secure its future

The grant, which has been awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, has been described as a ‘critical first step’ in securing the future of the historically significant site, which is set in the landscape of Cowdray Park.

The Cowdray Ruins are an ‘evocative reminder’ of one of the country’s most important Tudor houses with historical, social and political signifcance – having hosted visits by Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, according to the Cowdray Heritage Trust.

But urgent repair works are needed at the site, which is both a Scheduled Ancient Monument and Grade I listed building, and access to visitors has therefor been limited.

The new funding, which has been made possible by money raised by National Lottery players, will enable the Trust to carry out an options and feasibility study to secure the long term planning for the future of the site.

Fundamental to the project will be innovative engagement and consultation activities with local audiences to help shape the Trust’s ideas and ensure everyone can play their part in local placemaking.

Sally Guile, Operations Manager, said: “We are thrilled to have received this support thanks to National Lottery players and are confident the project will be the start of an exciting journey to once again reopen, reimagine and share stories of the nationally important Cowdray Ruins.”