Partner Article

Trust campaign saves Hall

The National Trust has announced today that Seaton Delaval Hall in Northumberland has been saved through the efforts of a nationwide appeal.

The news is announced as Culture Minister Margaret Hodge joins Fiona Reynolds, Director-General of the National Trust and supporters of the campaign in a celebration at Seaton Delaval Hall.

The success of the National Trust appeal, launched in July 2008, has been made possible by the combined effort of a public response that raised over £3 million from thousands of people, charitable trusts and companies across the country.

The Hall, its gardens and the majority of the contents of Seaton Delaval were accepted by the Government in lieu of inheritance tax and gifted to the National Trust through the Acceptance in Lieu (AIL) scheme.

Additional investment has been received from the regional development agency One North East as well as generous contributions from other funding bodies including The Art Fund.

Culture and Tourism Minister Margaret Hodge said: “Seaton Delaval Hall is a masterpiece of 18th century architecture and I am delighted that it has been saved thanks to the Government’s AIL scheme and fantastic campaigning and fund raising. The Hall will now be available for everyone to enjoy and to learn from for many generations to come, and add to the region’s attractions as a tourist destination.”

Fiona Reynolds, Director-General of the National Trust, said: “From the start of the campaign we’ve worked together with the public – and especially the local community –- to shape Seaton Delaval Hall’s future and decide how the building, gardens and grounds can best be used for the benefit of everyone.”

“Over 100,000 people took part in the biggest public consultation in the National Trust’s history and they showed us overwhelmingly that they wanted the National Trust to secure Seaton Delaval Hall’s future.”

The Trust plans to open Seaton Delaval Hall to the public in spring 2010.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .