Hylton Castle
Location: Sunderland
Hylton Castle is a medieval gatehouse/tower in the guardianship of English Heritage. It stands in Hylton Dene, Sunderland. The keep, four main walls and part of the chapel are all still standing.
In recent times the Castle and Dene had become neglected and vandalised. Then in 1992, with the help of funding from Sunderland City Challenge, a group of local residents set to work restoring the Dene and planning for its future. The Friends of Hylton Dene group was formed to as a result and continues to improve the Dene and Castle for local people to enjoy.
They have formed a small steering group, Chaired by Graham Bell of Northeast Civic Trust and comprising representatives of English Heritage, Sunderland City Council and the Friends group. They are investigating regeneration possibilities for Hylton Castle and the Chapel.
They have received money from Sunderland City Council to have a complete survey undertaken of Hylton Dene. This will then allow the group to seek funding to extend the play park and carryout some landscaping developments where required.
One proposal is to rescue and resite in the Dene some 'roman stones', once part of a Roman dam in the river Wear between North and South Hylton, that are currently being used as a breakwater at Roker beach.
Students at Sunderland University are currently exploring the Tourism potential for Hylton Castle.
On 4th July 2004, around 50 American decedents to Hylton Castle are to visit the Dene and present the 'Hylton flag' which will fly from the recently erected flag pole provided by English Heritage.
| Local Community Involvement / Partnerships: |
| The group are working closely with the County Archaeologist and English Heritage, Tyne & Wear Museums are involved and will provide training for volunteers. |
| Grants: |
Heritage Lottery Fund: £25,000
Nationwide Building Society: £5000
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