The Duchy in Focus

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2024

From Plough Stots to Pollinators

February 29, 2024

The Goathland Reading Room is a single-storey brick building located in the centre of Goathland, a rural village in North Yorkshire best known for its appearances as Aidensfield in the long-running television series ‘Heartbeat’. Constructed …

Net Zero At Tower Bridge Business Park

February 20, 2024

The Duchy of Lancaster has completed the refurbishment of a large warehouse at Tower Bridge Business Park in London, with a scheme which the team hopes will set the standard for future commercial refurbishment schemes. When …

New Lights In Old Windows

February 10, 2024

Over the past 10 years, the Duchy has invested almost £10m in the restoration and repair of its historic and public buildings. This includes a diverse range of initiatives across all Surveys, from works to …

The Duchy Farming Family

January 23, 2024

We hosted an informal meeting of our Lancashire farming tenants in Whitewell at the end of last year as part of our drive to encourage them to learn about the regenerative farming practices adopted by …

Ring Out Those Commemorative Bells!

January 17, 2024

Thanks in part to grant funding from the Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent Fund, a 13th century church in Lancashire has been able to ring out a peal of bells for the first time in over …

Healthy Live-Work Environment in Cheshire

January 11, 2024

In 2010, the Duchy developed a series of disused barns and farm buildings set in 3.12 acres of parkland adjacent to historic Crewe Hall in Cheshire. This sensitive restoration scheme created 27,000 sq ft of …

2023

Strengthening Our Estate Management Team

November 17, 2023

The Duchy of Lancaster continues to grow the team looking after its rural estates with the addition of two rural surveyors, Olivia Mayo and Robert Noblet-Stone, as well as the appointment of UCL graduate Jeffrey …

Hedge Restoration Project, Crewe Estate, Cheshire

October 24, 2023

Following the success of a similar project on the Whitewell Estate in Lancashire, the Duchy has begun work to restore almost four kilometres of hedgerows across its Crewe Estate in Cheshire. The work focuses primarily …

Restoring Lancaster's Heritage

October 17, 2023

In addition to our scheduled programme of restoration works to protect the fabric of the historic buildings at Lancaster Castle, the Duchy Council has approved exceptional expenditure to cover essential repairs to the Medieval Keep. …

New Tenants Move In To Red Lion Farmhouse

September 29, 2023

Following the refurbishment of a Grade II listed residential property on the Duchy’s Crewe Estate in Cheshire, Red Lion Farmhouse has been let to Tim and Joanne Leese. Tim is an experienced engineer with a strong …

Regenerative Farming Practices: Knowledge-Sharing

September 15, 2023

One of the farming tenants on the Whitewell Estate in Lancashire held a very successful ‘Pasture for Life’ (PfL) event at the end of August. Janet Smalley is a passionate advocate for soil health and …

Community Project Captures The Imagination

August 15, 2023

Children at a local primary school are keeping a close eye on a redevelopment project currently underway in the picturesque village of Dunsop Bridge on the Duchy’s Whitewell Estate in Lancashire. After two years’ close consultation …

Mosaic Forms Part Of Local History Trail

August 8, 2023

A specially commissioned mosaic representing the history of the Yorkshire village of Cloughton and its close links with the Duchy of Lancaster has been unveiled as part of a new history trail through the village. Working …

Duchy Barn Garden, Higham Ferrers

August 1, 2023

The community garden adjacent to Chichele College on the Higham Ferrers estate in Northamptonshire continues to reveal glimpses of its historic past as volunteers work to maintain and further improve the site. Since the official …

Open Day At Myerscough College

July 28, 2023

Three of the farms on the Duchy’s Myerscough estate in Lancashire are let to independent land-based teaching institute, Myerscough College. The holdings in question include Lodge Farm, one of the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board …

New Council Chairman Appointed

July 24, 2023

Sir James Henry Leigh-Pemberton CVO has been appointed as Chairman of the Duchy of Lancaster Council from 4th July 2023. He succeeds Sir Alan Reid GCVO who is stepping down from the Council after five …

New Woodland Signage At Needwood

June 28, 2023

In partnership with The National Forest, the Duchy of Lancaster has recently installed new pathfinder signage and information boards across the woodlands on its Needwood Estate in Staffordshire. Needwood was originally a popular Royal hunting forest, …

Ancient Court Appoints First Ever Lady Steward

June 21, 2023

One of the country’s oldest sitting courts continues to update its ancient custom and practice, with the appointment this month of its first ever lady Steward, Mrs Suzanne Margaret Porter. Suzanne, who is a solicitor with …

Leave Only Footsteps….

May 28, 2023

Two of our rural surveyors took time out today to join local schoolchildren on a litter pick in the village of Dunsop Bridge on the Whitewell Estate in Lancashire. Lydia Richards and James Pyrah joined forces …

Investing in Young People

May 19, 2023

The Duchy of Lancaster continues to support young people studying courses in regenerative agriculture, land management and traditional construction skills with bursaries and workplace placement opportunities. This year, recipients of awards at Harper Adams University included …

Dynamic and Sustainable Workspaces

April 28, 2023

The Duchy of Lancaster continues to respond to the growing demand for fully fitted office accommodation in London’s busy mid-town, recently completing the Cat A+ fit-out of a 3,400 sq ft office suite on the …

The Trotters of Hareholes Farm

April 19, 2023

When the Hill family took over the tenancy of Hareholes Farm Cottage in 2020, they moved in with their two daughters, Freya and Francesca, Tracey’s father William and a couple of large Clydesdales, ‘Trotter’ and …

Improving Energy Performance

April 4, 2023

Cloughton village lies at the heart of one of our oldest Yorkshire estates and forms part of the Duchy’s ancient inheritance. The High Street comprises 20 Duchy-owned properties, many of which have been occupied by …

66-Year Anniversary For Hanbury Park Farm

March 24, 2023

Mrs Mary Brown became one of our longest-serving Duchy tenants on the Needwood Estate in Staffordshire this month, having been a member of the Duchy family for sixty-six years. She and her husband Cecil Thomas …

Strengthening The Senior Team

March 10, 2023

The Duchy of Lancaster has further strengthened its senior team, with two key appointments since the start of the year. Jonathan Murrin takes up the post of Chief Finance Officer, while Mark Coombs takes on …

Cricket Bat Willow Planted In Crewe

February 28, 2023

The existing woodland on the Crewe Estate in Cheshire included approximately 15 acres of poplar stands which had become over-mature and which, in line with the Duchy’s woodland management plan, were felled last year. Over the …

Restoring The Duke of Burgundy To Yorkshire

February 14, 2023

The Duchy of Lancaster has been working with a local conservation group in Yorkshire to protect a rare species of butterfly for more than a decade. In the UK, the intricately marked Duke of Burgundy …

Whitewell Hedge Restoration Project

February 2, 2023

Following the biodiversity audit of our rural estates carried out in partnership with Natural England and the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), the rural team has been looking at ways of improving and enhancing …

Community Project Comes to the Classroom

January 20, 2023

Local schoolchildren are taking an active interest in the redevelopment of two sites in the rural village at Dunsop Bridge. Plans for the repurposing of an old and disused petrol garage site were unanimously approved by …

Full Steam Ahead....

January 13, 2023

A group of vintage transport enthusiasts on the Duchy’s Needwood Estate in Staffordshire have been bringing the past back to life with a series of steam fayres, rallies, community events and experience days. Formed in …

Festive Fir Trees!

January 3, 2023

The Duchy of Lancaster was delighted to provide Christmas trees grown on its rural estates to local village halls, schools and churches once again this year. Organisations across our Cheshire, Lancashire and Staffordshire estates were …

2022

New Future For Old Buildings

December 8, 2022

An outline planning application is currently being prepared for permission to convert a traditional Dutch barn into a stylish and energy efficient residential dwelling. Situated on the Duchy’s Needwood Estate in Staffordshire, the barn currently …

Protecting The Keep At Lancaster Castle

November 28, 2022

Planning approval and listed building consent has been awarded to the Duchy by the local planning authority for essential repair and maintenance works to the Medieval Keep at Lancaster Castle. The remedial works are designed to …

Historic ‘Gateway to God’ Re-opened

November 15, 2022

The Duchy of Lancaster was pleased to support the reopening of a historic gateway leading to the 15th century Bede House in the grounds of St Mary’s Church in Higham Ferrers earlier this summer. The …

Bespoke Bird Boxes By Design

October 19, 2022

Sowley Farmhouse on the Duchy’s Needwood Estate in Staffordshire has been the beating heart of the Gadsby family for almost half a century. Geraldine and Terry Gadsby took on the tenancy in 1974 and despite …

Sustainable Land Management in Whitewell

October 11, 2022

The Duchy’s Lancashire estates team hosted a meeting of all agricultural tenants on the Whitewell Estate at the end of September to share knowledge and ideas around the best methods of regenerative farming and sustainable …

Non-Executive Health & Safety Expert Appointed

September 1, 2022

The Duchy of Lancaster has engaged one of the country’s leading health and safety specialists to act as a ‘critical friend’ and ensure that the highest standards of compliance are fully embedded across all areas …

Improving Energy Efficiency In Rural Development Projects

August 29, 2022

As part of a drive to optimise energy efficiency in our rural developments, the Duchy of Lancaster has teamed up with Green Footsteps Ltd whose objective is to help clients reduce energy use in properties. Banton’s …

Alistair Elliott Appointed To Duchy Council

August 5, 2022

The former Senior Partner and Chair of the Executive Board at Knight Frank, Alistair Elliott, has been appointed to the Duchy Council.  Alistair will serve from 1st January 2023, replacing Marcus Rose who retires at …

Celebrating the Origins of the Duchy

July 29, 2022

The Reeve Piece in Leicestershire is the oldest piece of land continually owned by the Duchy of Lancaster. Originally part of Simon de Montfort’s lands it was confiscated by Henry III following the death of …

Outdoor Learning Facilities For Local Schools

July 25, 2022

Rural teams at the Duchy of Lancaster have been visiting local primary schools across the estates to encourage open air learning and the extension of the classroom into the natural environment. Several community schools applied to …

Historic Henry VIII Dish On View At Wirksworth

June 24, 2022

An ancient bronze standard dish, presented to the Barmote Court by Henry VIII in 1512 has been loaned to Wirksworth Heritage Centre for public exhibition for the first time in its history. The dish will form …

Replenishing Ancient Woodland

June 17, 2022

The Duchy of Lancaster has planted over 17,500 trees across 17.6 acres at Greaves Wood on the Needwood Estate in Staffordshire replenishing parts of the ancient woodland afflicted by Ash Dieback.  The new plantings include …

Marking The Platinum Jubilee of the Duke of Lancaster

June 5, 2022

The Duchy of Lancaster marked the start of Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend with a service of thanksgiving at The Priory Church followed by a private reception and beacon-lighting at Lancaster Castle on …

New Hub For Dunsop Bridge Approved

May 25, 2022

Ribble Valley Borough Council has voted unanimously to approve the Duchy of Lancaster’s plans for a new and sustainable centre for the village of Dunsop Bridge. The proposals, which have been informed by feedback from the …

Hidden Treasure Rediscovered

May 13, 2022

As part of the ongoing research project into the history, origins and manufacture of the Great Cowcher of the Duchy of Lancaster, teams at The National Archives have discovered a forgotten document created during the …

Shared Ambition For Sustainability

May 5, 2022

The Duchy of Lancaster is inviting farming tenants across of its rural estates to commit to a shared ambition for sustainability by signing up to individual Memoranda of Understanding developed in partnership with each holding. The …

Natural Beehives In Needwood

April 27, 2022

Visitors to the natural beauty spot known as Jackson’s Bank in the Needwood Forest in Staffordshire may have noticed that six silver birch trees have been felled near the picnic area in recent months. This …

Sustainable Office Space At SavoyStrand

April 19, 2022

The Duchy of Lancaster has completed the transformation of a six-storey Art Deco building on the Strand, pre-letting 7 of the 8 floors available prior to practical completion.  Formerly known as Norman House, the reconfigured office …

Civic Trust Award For Lancaster Castle

April 6, 2022

The refurbishment of Lancaster Castle’s historic courtyards commissioned by the Duchy of Lancaster in 2018 has been awarded a 2022 Civic Trust Award for “the execution and quality of the works….(which offers)….a clear legibility between …

The Art of Tea-Drinking

March 31, 2022

An innovative specialist tea retailer and café operator which has taken the UK by storm since it arrived here in 2015 is to bring its artisan teas to London’s busy mid-town district. From 18th April 2022 …

900 Jubilee Trees Planted

March 14, 2022

As part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations this year, the Duchy of Lancaster is to plant almost 900 trees across its estates in Cheshire, Lancashire, Northamptonshire, Staffordshire and Yorkshire in support of The Queen’s Green …

4-Star Equestrian Moves Into Woodhouse Farm

March 4, 2022

A successful and well-known equestrian mother and daughter team have taken over the tenancy of Woodhouse Farm on the Needwood Estate in Staffordshire. Lucy Robinson is an up and coming 4-star rider who won Badminton Grassroots …

From Coop To Classroom

February 22, 2022

A long-standing tenant of Brakenhurst Farm on the Needwood Estate in Staffordshire is bringing the coop to the classroom with a unique lending service called Hens For Hire.  Aimed at providing children and young people with …

New Council Members Appointed

February 21, 2022

Following the retirement of Ms Kathryn Matthews, the Duchy of Lancaster is pleased to welcome Mrs Jill May and Ms Lucy MacDonald to the Duchy Council. Both Jill and Lucy have held a number of senior …

Historic Cottage Restored in Scalby Village

February 16, 2022

A historic stone-built cottage on the Duchy’s Cloughton estate in Yorkshire has been fully refurbished and improved to provide modern energy efficient living accommodation in the heart of the village. Field Close Cottage, next to Daisy …

Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen, Duke of Lancaster

February 6, 2022

On 6th February 2022, Her Majesty The Queen became not only the longest service British Monarch but also the longest serving Duke of Lancaster in the nation’s history. The Platinum Jubilee celebrations are therefore two-fold, marking …

Back-To-Back Letting At Wood Lane, Erdington

January 27, 2022

The Duchy of Lancaster has successfully completed a back-to-back letting of over 100,000 sq ft of commercial warehousing space to the East of Birmingham. The warehouse at Wood Lane, Erdington was previously occupied by Robert Bosch, …

Planning Success At Root Farm Buildings

January 19, 2022

Following extensive consultation with the local community, planning approval has been secured for the sympathetic redevelopment of a collection of vacant farm buildings at Root Farm in the village of Dunsop Bridge, Lancashire. The proposals include …

2021

Planning Success For Bantons Barn

December 17, 2021

The Duchy of Lancaster has secured planning consent for the conversion of a disused barn, stable block and cart-shed on its Wyreside estate in Lancashire into three new residential dwellings. The buildings in question are located …

Benevolent Fund Helps Local Good Causes

December 13, 2021

The Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent Fund has made funding awards to a wide variety of community organisations across its rural estates who have been suffering from the after-effects of the Covid-19 pandemic over the past …

BASE-UK: A Knowledge-Sharing Network

November 29, 2021

As part of the ongoing drive towards encouraging greater environmental responsibility across its rural estates, the Duchy of Lancaster has invited all farming tenants to join BASE-UK, a farmer-led knowledge exchange organisation for individuals interested …

New Pollinator Glade For Pickering

November 19, 2021

The Duchy’s Rural Team went ‘back to the land’ this month, planting a new pollinator glade around two commemorative oak trees at Pickering Woods in Yorkshire. The oak trees were planted on 2nd July 1975 by …

Art Installation Lights Up Lancaster Castle

November 12, 2021

Lancaster Castle provided the backdrop for a signature art installation created as part of the city’s annual Festival of Light earlier this month. Each year, Light Up Lancaster transforms the entire city into a family-friendly …

Putting Sustainability Into Practice

October 31, 2021

Almost twenty of our farming tenants took part in a soil management workshop at the Allerton Project, a Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust research farm in Loddington, earlier this month. Hosted by soil management experts …

The Power of Community

October 19, 2021

A community garden that took shape during lockdown has been captured on film. The short feature, which celebrates the efforts of volunteers responsible for the creation of the garden, was shot in September as part …

Twelve Hundred Years of Caring

September 16, 2021

Two historic charities closely linked to the Duchy of Lancaster are to join forces, combining 1,200 years of caring for their local community. From September 2021, Trinity Hospital and Wyggeston’s Hospital will operate as a …

Sunflower Smiles in Cheshire

September 10, 2021

An enterprising farming family marked the 100th anniversary of their tenancy at Park Farm on the Crewe Estate in Cheshire last month by creating a sunflower and pollinator trail which they then opened to visitors. The …

Lancaster Castle Popular Heritage Destination

August 30, 2021

Lancaster Castle is enjoying record numbers of visitors this month with numbers up 90 per cent on last year and 60 per cent on 2019. During August, our weekly visitor numbers reached almost 5,000 and …

Signing Up For Sustainable Farming

August 18, 2021

A farmer on the Needwood Estate in Staffordshire has become one of the first to be offered a place on the Government’s new Sustainable Farming Initiative Pilot Scheme.  Applications for acceptance are due by 30 …

Open Day At Wood End Farm

July 23, 2021

The Whitaker family at Wood End Farm on the Whitewell Estate in Lancashire hosted a highly successful Open Day last month under the LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) banner. Some 500 people attended over the …

Heritage Barn Conversions Prove Popular In Cheshire

July 9, 2021

A redundant heritage barn on the Crewe estate in Cheshire has been successfully converted into two high quality residential homes, both of which were let and occupied within a few weeks of completion. The brick-built barn …

First Fully Fitted Out Space Pre-Let

June 29, 2021

The Duchy of Lancaster has just completed and pre-let its first fully fitted CAT B office space. The office suite at 9 Savoy Street was vacated by the previous tenant at the beginning of the first …

Triple A For Duchy Rural Team

June 23, 2021

The Duchy of Lancaster continues to invest in the development of its Rural team with the appointment of 3 rural surveyors: Alex Morrison, Archie Rose and Alexandra Carr. Alex Morrison joins the team as Estates Director …

Beagles About!

June 15, 2021

A tenant at Coulters Hill Cottage on the Needwood estate in Staffordshire has been providing a valuable national service for the past nine years. Beagle Welfare is a registered charity managed by volunteers which cares …

New Farm Shop Serving the Community

May 31, 2021

Duchy tenants at Agardsley Cottage Farm in Staffordshire have opened a new farm shop in Hoar Cross, in response to growing levels of interest in the provenance, quality and freshness of food bought by consumers. Charlie …

Castle Offers Walking Tours To Visitors

May 25, 2021

  Small groups of visitors to Lancaster Castle are being offered a walking tour of the courtyards, with limited access to the historic interiors of the court room and Shire Hall, as the Castle continues to …

Holidaymakers Stay Close To Nature

May 18, 2021

The Duchy holiday cottages at Scalby Lodge are enjoying record bookings one month after re-opening to visitors. The 4- and 5-star cottages on a clifftop location just outside Scarborough are fully booked until November 2021 …

Stewart McGarrity Appointed Interim CFO

April 30, 2021

The Duchy of Lancaster has appointed Stewart McGarrity as Interim Chief Finance Officer from 1st May 2021. Stewart will take over the role from previous incumbent Chris Adcock LVO who has been in post since …

Browns Go Green In Staffordshire!

April 12, 2021

A long-standing Duchy tenant is encouraging the return of pollinators, waterfowl and other species of indigenous wildlife to the hedgerows, ponds and field margins across their 350-acre farm in Staffordshire. Mrs Mary Brown and her son …

Historic Lancashire Barn Converted Into Sustainable Homes

April 6, 2021

The Duchy of Lancaster has successfully converted a historic farm building on its Wyreside estate into two spacious and energy-efficient family homes. Due to complete before the end of April, it is hoped that the …

New Steward Appointed

March 10, 2021

Richard Buck has been appointed as Steward of The Queen’s Chapel of the Savoy. He will take over the role on 19th April 2021 when the current Steward Thomas Leyland retires from the post after …

New Woodland Taking Shape at Needwood

March 4, 2021

As part of its woodland creation plan, the Duchy of Lancaster has planted more than 175 new avenue trees on the Needwood estate in Staffordshire. Working in partnership with forestry consultants Forwoods and the National …

Bringing Redundant Farm Buildings Back Into Use

February 26, 2021

The Duchy of Lancaster has this month applied for planning permission to convert a redundant disused barn, stable block and cart-shed at Bantons Barn on the Wyreside estate in Lancashire into three new residential dwellings. Bantons …

Growing the Rural Team

February 22, 2021

Rural surveyor Lydia Richards MRICS joins the Duchy of Lancaster team this month, helping us to further develop our engagement with tenants across the rural estates. Lydia has spent the last four years working as an …

Sustainable Future For Whitehall Bank Farm

February 17, 2021

A former dairy holding on the Duchy’s Needwood Estate in Staffordshire has been intelligently re-purposed and refurbished, creating a sustainable long-term future for the farmhouse, buildings and adjoining 160 acres of grazing land. Whitehall Bank Farm …

New Owners for Penkhull Village Hall

January 28, 2021

The efforts of local volunteers in the village of Penkhull near Stoke-on-Trent were rewarded in December when a new Community Trust took over the ownership of the local village hall with a little help from …

New Head of Urban Appointed

January 8, 2021

The Duchy of Lancaster has appointed a new Head of Urban to take over from the current incumbent Mike Andrews who will be retiring at the end of the financial year. Adrian Bayliss joins the team …

2020

Annual Carol Service Moves Online

December 8, 2020

The Duchy’s annual Carol Service and reception at The Queen’s Chapel of the Savoy will take the form of a podcast this year, due to Covid-19 restrictions around large gatherings. The Carol Service is a much-loved …

5-Year Woodland Creation Plan for Needwood

November 27, 2020

The Duchy of Lancaster is to plant 25 acres of new woodland on the historic Needwood Estate in Staffordshire as part of its strategic objective on woodland creation. The Duchy’s Needwood Estate extends to 7,300 acres …

Developing in Partnership with Bloor Homes

November 19, 2020

The Duchy of Lancaster in partnership with Bloor Homes is to bring much-needed new homes to Wollaston in Northamptonshire. The Duchy has made 6.3 hectares of development land at Hookhams Path available for housing and Bloor …

Carol Hawkey Takes Over As Head of Rural

November 12, 2020

The Duchy of Lancaster is delighted to announce that Carol Hawkey has been appointed as Head of Rural from 1st November 2020. Carol, who joined the Duchy in a new role as Head of Rural Investment …

Natural Dams Aid Flood Prevention

October 30, 2020

The Duchy of Lancaster has recently completed a project in partnership with the Environment Agency to guard against potential flooding in woodland areas this winter. The initial trial focuses on catchment flooding at Marchington Woods, …

Major New Research Project Into The Great Cowcher

October 23, 2020

The Duchy of Lancaster is supporting a major new research project into the origin and meaning of the Great Cowcher – the equivalent of the Domesday Book for the Duchy’s medieval estates. Working with academics, archivists …

Country Living in Cloughton

October 20, 2020

A landmark property on the Duchy’s Yorkshire Survey has been sensitively refurbished and modernised to create a new family home in the centre of Cloughton village. Town Farmhouse is a substantial stone-built property within a much-loved …

Historic Farmhouse Restored In Cheshire

September 29, 2020

The Duchy of Lancaster has recently completed the refurbishment of a Grade II listed farmhouse on the outskirts of Barthomley on the Cheshire Survey. The early 17th century farmhouse is a black and white timber framed …

New Nursery Tenant in Weston

September 18, 2020

Local couple Julie and Ian Lightley have signed a new long-term lease on a historic school building in Weston village on the Duchy’s Crewe estate. Previously occupied by Poppy & Jack’s nursery, the building will now …

Restoration and Renewal

August 19, 2020

The Duchy of Lancaster continues to encourage young people studying agriculture, land management and traditional construction skills. Around £30,000 is awarded annually in the form of bursaries and scholarships to students at Harper Adams University …

New Farm Shop For Salwick

August 12, 2020

A Duchy farming tenant on the Salwick Estate in Lancashire has converted his dairy parlour into a fully equipped farm shop selling home reared lamb, pork and beef to wholesale and retail customers. Richard Helme, a …

Scalby Lodge Re-Opens For Bookings

July 30, 2020

The Duchy of Lancaster holiday cottages at Scalby Lodge in North Yorkshire are open for business once again – and are proving as popular as ever. Within 24 hours of the lifting of Government restrictions on …

A Place of Sanctuary and Quiet Contemplation

July 22, 2020

A medieval garden brought back to life by volunteers has provided the people of Higham Ferrers with a place of sanctuary and quiet contemplation during the Covid-19 pandemic. One NHS worker would sit on the …

New Office Suite Completed At Savoy Street

June 30, 2020

The Duchy of Lancaster has recently completed the refurbishment of several floors at 9 Savoy Street to provide contemporary open plan office space in one of London’s most historic and prestigious addresses. Located between the …

Grade II Listed Property Fully Refurbished

June 18, 2020

Working closely with the Conservation Officer at North York Moors National Park, the Duchy of Lancaster has completed the refurbishment of a Grade II listed building on the Pickering Estate in Yorkshire. Park Gate Cottage is …

New Student Placements For 2021

May 28, 2020

Building on its annual programme of bursaries and scholarships, the Duchy of Lancaster is to offer two new 12-month student placements from September 2021. The new placements are designed for students of either land and estate …

COVID-19 Update

April 1, 2020

We would like to thank all staff, tenants, contractors and business partners for their continued support as we adapt our working practices during the current health crisis. The Duchy of Lancaster is continuing to maintain …

COVID-19

March 23, 2020

In line with Government advice around the Covid-19 pandemic in the UK, the Duchy of Lancaster is now operating a rota system for office-based staff. We are working with our tenants and business partners to …

Embroidery Workshop Opens At Lancaster Castle

March 17, 2020

A well-known needlework and embroidery expert currently appearing on BBC TV’s The Repair Shop has opened her own workshop at Lancaster Castle. Sara Dennis is a tutor of hand embroidery who regularly teaches at the Royal …

New Member Appointed To The Chapel Council

March 10, 2020

The Duchy of Lancaster has appointed Mrs Claudia Ogunyemi to the Council of The Queen’s Chapel of the Savoy. Mrs Ogunyemi is a native of New Jersey in the USA although she has been resident …

Best of Breed For New Oxford House

March 4, 2020

New Oxford House is becoming something of a creative hub in Birmingham with a second award-winning public relations company taking up residence here within four months. spottydog communications celebrated its tenth anniversary with a move to …

‘The Yorkie’ Comes To Yorkshire

February 27, 2020

A young farming tenant on our Pickering estate in Yorkshire is developing a new breed of hybrid sheep which he plans to call ‘The Yorkie’. Born into a farming family, Chris Timm and his wife Lisa …

Celebrating Ancient Traditions

February 3, 2020

Goathland Plough Stots held their annual Day of Dance on 18th January 2020, upholding the ancient tradition of sword-dancing in the farming villages of North Yorkshire. One of the few remaining teams in the UK, …

New Financial Controller Joins The Team

January 21, 2020

Nicola Swindells joins the Duchy team as Financial Controller on 6th January, taking over the role from Steve Davies who is retiring after 35 years of invaluable service. Nicola is ACCA qualified with a degree in …

Duchy Expands In Whitewell

January 15, 2020

As part of its strategic acquisition programme the Duchy of Lancaster has purchased a further 226 acres in the Forest of Bowland. Higher Lickhurst Farm marches with the Duchy’s Whitewell estate and the steading includes …

Grade II Listed Cottage Restored and Re-Let

January 10, 2020

Working closely with the Conservation Officer of Scarborough Borough Council, the Duchy of Lancaster has completed its latest refurbishment on the Cloughton Estate in Yorkshire. The double-fronted period cottage at 25 High Street has been …

2019

Lancaster University Moves Into Lancaster Castle

December 11, 2019

Lancaster University is to open a new academic space in the former Link Block of Lancaster Castle. The University has signed a two-year lease to operate the new purpose-built teaching suite completed last month as part …

Swaledale Excellence at Goathland

December 2, 2019

Duchy tenant Mark Graham hosted an Open Day for members of the North Yorkshire Moors Swaledale Group at Hunt House Farm last month as the final stage of a 3-year research project. Supported by the Agriculture …

Liquid PR Chooses New Oxford House

November 29, 2019

New Oxford House in the heart of Birmingham’s commercial and financial district continues to build its reputation as a centre for culinary excellence with the addition of specialist marketing consultancy, Liquid. Liquid is a public relations, …

SavoyStrand Taking Shape

November 25, 2019

The 1920s building currently being refurbished at 105-109 Strand is to be renamed SavoyStrand to reflect its history and heritage as part of the Duchy’s historic Savoy Estate. The building formally known as Norman House …

Lancaster Castle Restored and Re-Opened

November 18, 2019

Following a 2-year conservation project, the Duchy of Lancaster has re-opened the historic John O’Gaunt gate and unveiled the new-look Lancaster Castle to the visiting public. The works have included the careful removal of the former …

New Tenants Move Into West Blansby Farm

October 29, 2019

A new young farming family has been awarded the tenancy of West Blansby Farm on the Pickering Estate in Yorkshire. Chris Timm is a farmer’s son and has previously farmed across a number of tenancies around …

Local Coffee Roasters Move Into Lancaster Castle

October 7, 2019

Renowned local coffee roasters and tea specialists Atkinsons have been chosen by the Duchy of Lancaster to open and run the new purpose-built visitor café at Lancaster Castle. The company is expected to open The …

Plastics Recycling Centre Opens In Lancashire

September 30, 2019

As part of its commitment to environmental sustainability the Duchy of Lancaster is keen to discourage single-use plastics on its farms and to promote recycling wherever possible across its estates. Last year we carried out …

Direct Drilling Key To Soil Health

September 25, 2019

Following extensive research into various methods of responsible soil management and crop cultivation the Duchy is encouraging tenants to consider direct drilling instead of traditional ploughing. Direct drilling is a system of seed placement where soil …

Inn At Whitewell Named Pub of the Year

September 12, 2019

The historic Inn at Whitewell located on the banks of the River Hodder on the Duchy’s Whitewell Estate has been named Pub of the Year for 2020 in the new Good Pub Guide published last …

Conservation Works Continue At Lancaster Castle

August 30, 2019

The Duchy of Lancaster has announced that Lancaster Castle will not reopen to the public in September but will remain closed until the end of October 2019.  This is due to health and safety concerns …

All Aboard HMS Lancaster!

August 23, 2019

Following a 24-month overhaul, HMS Lancaster is now fully staffed once again with all 129 crew members back on board. The 4,500-ton Type 23 frigate has undergone an extensive upgrade and refit over the past …

New Community Space For Crewe Green

August 1, 2019

A community project to transform a neglected and overgrown half acre site on the Duchy’s Cheshire Survey into an attractive and sustainable public space is taking shape, thanks in part to an award from the …

New Aldi Store To Be Built On The Crewe Estate

July 24, 2019

Aldi is to build a new store on the North West corner of the Crewe estate in Cheshire. At a meeting of the Cheshire East Strategic Planning Board last month Councillors voted to approve the application …

Maria Roskell Joins The Team

July 8, 2019

The Duchy has appointed a new senior PA/Rural Administrator to support the Rural Teams based at Lancaster Castle. Prior to joining the Duchy Maria Roskell spent two and a half years in a similar position on …

Conservation works continue at Lancaster Castle

June 19, 2019

The extensive conservation works currently underway at Lancaster Castle are to continue throughout the summer holidays with completion now expected by the end of August 2019. This will mean a three-month extension to the restricted public …

Bio-Diversity Audit Complete

June 12, 2019

Following the bio-diversity audit carried out in partnership with Natural England across the Rural Surveys between 2016 and 2018 all habitats have now been successfully identified, mapped and quantified. The resultant data allows for strategic …

Burholme Lamb Launched In Whitewell

May 31, 2019

One of our long-standing Duchy tenants is once again putting Lancashire on the culinary map of the UK after opening a dedicated butchery service which guarantees the quality of their produce at every stage of …

Investing In Young People

May 10, 2019

The Duchy continues to encourage new entrants into farming and support traditional skills training with annual bursaries to a number of leading colleges and universities. Each year, the Duchy awards bursaries to Harper Adams University in …

Centenary Year For Rushden Golf Club

April 23, 2019

One of our longest serving tenants is celebrating their centenary this year. Rushden Golf Club first began with a small group of local businessmen who in the early 1900s marked out a field at Stanwick …

Hugh Bruce-Watt Joins The Duchy Team

April 15, 2019

Following the retirement of Duchy Solicitor Tim Crow at the end of last month the Duchy of Lancaster is delighted to announce the appointment of Hugh Bruce-Watt as In-House Counsel from 1st April 2019. Hugh …

Respecting The Land

April 4, 2019

A cross-section of farming tenants from our Staffordshire Survey attended the Duchy’s second dedicated soil management workshop at the Allerton Project in Loddington earlier this month. Responsible soil management is one of the key initiatives announced …

Two New Recruits For Rural Team

March 18, 2019

Following the announcement last October that the Duchy was bringing the management of all its rural estates in-house, two new recruits have joined the team. Dan Hawkes is an experienced architectural technologist and project manager who …

Tree-Planting In Whitewell

March 14, 2019

Pupils from Class 1 of Thorneyholme Primary School in Dunsop Bridge braved the elements this week to help the Duchy plant a new generation of trees in Whitewell. The Duchy’s woodland team planted a new avenue …

New Strategic Partnership With LHL

February 25, 2019

The Duchy of Lancaster has appointed a new firm of building surveyors to deliver its planned maintenance programmes and stand-alone refurbishment projects across Yorkshire from 1st March 2019. LHL Group is a highly regarded multi-disciplinary consultancy …

Duchy Expands Rural Team

February 18, 2019

  The Duchy of Lancaster continues to build its rural estate management capacity with a new Rural Surveyor joining the team. Rosie James (25) originally graduated from Reading University with a degree in history. She then …

Main Contractor Appointed For Norman House

January 31, 2019

The Duchy of Lancaster has appointed Osborne Construction as the main contractor for the redevelopment of Norman House on the Strand. The scheme is a major refurbishment of the original 1920s building with the addition …

New Lease of Life for Disused Farm Buildings

January 17, 2019

The Duchy of Lancaster has formed a joint venture with award-winning housebuilder Francis Jackson Homes to transform a number of disused agricultural buildings on its Higham Ferrers estate in Northamptonshire into a small residential development. Five …

Duchy Continues To Strengthen Core Team

January 7, 2019

The Duchy of Lancaster continues to invest for the future by strengthening its administrative support teams in both London and Lancaster. Accounts Assistant Sally Davies joins Rural Accountant Ralph Whitehead in the Lancaster office which has …

2018

Grown in Britain: Responsible Woodland Management

December 14, 2018

In a further demonstration of our commitment to environmental sustainability, the Duchy of Lancaster is backing the Grown in Britain (GiB) campaign with all of its rural woodlands accredited under the scheme. Some 2,818 acres of …

Encouraging Sporting Excellence

December 7, 2018

The Duchy of Lancaster continues to support the provision of sports facilities and infrastructure on its historic Higham Ferrers estate with an agreement in principle to the letting of 11 acres to football club AFC …

New Homes Approved For Newborough

November 30, 2018

The Duchy of Lancaster has secured planning permission for the conversion of existing agricultural buildings at Newborough Hall Farm in Staffordshire into a private residential development of four new family homes. The original listed farmhouse …

We Will Remember Them

November 16, 2018

The Duchy of Lancaster was proud to support the City of Lancaster’s commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Armistice on 11th November 2018. The day began at 6.00 am with a lone piper playing ‘The …

New 5-Year Lease For After Adoption

November 5, 2018

A leading independent adoption agency has signed a new five-year lease on 3,440 square ft of space at the Duchy of Lancaster’s New Oxford House in Birmingham. After Adoption originally took up office space on the …

Duchy Brings Estate Management In-House

October 12, 2018

The Duchy of Lancaster has brought the management of all Rural Surveys in house with effect from 1st October 2018. As part of this change, the Duchy has restructured its rural estate management teams. Two Regional …

New Special School To Be Built At Higham Ferrers

October 8, 2018

The Duchy of Lancaster has agreed to release 2.2 hectares of land for the building of a new free school at Rushden on its historic Higham Ferrers estate. Built by the Department for Education and …

Ripley’s Farm Let To Young Yorkshire Farming Family

October 2, 2018

Following a rigorous selection process, the Duchy of Lancaster has awarded the tenancy of Ripley’s Farm on the Cloughton Estate in Yorkshire to Adam and Claire Turnbull, formerly of Grange Farm in Sinnington. The Turnbull …

Lancaster Castle: the View from the Stronghold

September 24, 2018

The Duchy of Lancaster has entered into a partnership with Lancaster University’s History Department to deliver a free open learning course based on the history of the region as seen through the prism of Lancaster …

Inspiring Others To Look To The Land

September 15, 2018

An inspirational farmer on the Duchy’s Whitewell Estate in Lancashire is taking the countryside into classrooms across the UK. John Alpe was first introduced to the ‘educational access’ initiative under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme in 2000. …

Ground-Breaking Technology At Marsden Gate

June 29, 2018

A new green energy plant at Marsden Gate Industrial Park is leading the way in providing a new clean and sustainable energy source for household and commercial use. A unique two-stage conversion process developed by Advanced …

Ladies Day At The Duchy

June 22, 2018

The Duchy of Lancaster is celebrating its own Ladies Day this year with the announcement that three new appointments have been made to its inhouse team of Rural Surveyors. Senior Asset Manager Naomi Browne joins the …

Whitewell Recognised As Best Place To Live

June 15, 2018

The Duchy of Lancaster’s Whitewell Estate sits within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is widely acknowledged as one of the most spectacular and unspoiled landscapes in the whole of the British Isles. Thought by …

Sustainable Soil Strategy

May 31, 2018

The Duchy of Lancaster recently hosted a workshop on soil management for a number of farm tenants.  The event was held at the Allerton Project, a Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust research farm in Loddington. …

Lancaster Castle Remembers The Fallen

May 21, 2018

The Duchy of Lancaster has lent its support to a new fundraising campaign which hopes to raise over £15m for armed forces and mental health charities. The ‘There But Not There’ campaign launched this month …

Duchy Offers Exciting New Farming Opportunity To Market

May 16, 2018

Later this month the Duchy of Lancaster will bring to market a significant farm holding providing farmers with a rare opportunity to secure a large, well equipped mixed arable and grassland farm in a commanding …

Snowy ‘Staycations’ Proving Popular

April 13, 2018

The Duchy of Lancaster’s luxury holiday cottages in Yorkshire and Lancashire have had a record year to March despite – or perhaps because of – the exceptional wintry weather during the last few months. In Yorkshire …

Duchy Join Forces With Chamberlain In Cheshire

April 11, 2018

The Duchy of Lancaster has entered into a joint venture agreement with Chamberlain Developments to restore a Grade II Listed farmhouse and develop a small number of disused farm buildings in the heart of leafy …

Local Tenant News!

March 27, 2018

Working with teams responsible for the management of its Rural Surveys, the Duchy of Lancaster has today issued a Survey-specific newsletter for tenants living and working on its Cheshire, Lancashire, Southern, Staffordshire and Yorkshire Estates. Designed …

Commonwealth Flag Flies Over Lancaster Castle

March 16, 2018

The Constable of Lancaster Castle Mrs Pam Barker DL raised the Commonwealth flag over the historic John of Gaunt gate this week to commemorate Commonwealth Day. On 12th March 2018 the Commonwealth flag flew over the …

Encouraging The Brightest And The Best

March 8, 2018

Last year, the Duchy of Lancaster introduced a second bursary for students at Harper Adams University – this time focusing specifically on students of Rural Estate and Land Management (REALM). The new award runs alongside …

Lancaster Castle – unlocked, online and on the mobile!

February 23, 2018

Working in partnership with the IT development team at Lancaster University, the Duchy of Lancaster has today launched a brand new web-based digital and virtual reality tour of Lancaster Castle.  Designed to provide an insight …

Lettings Agents Appointed In Lancashire and Yorkshire

February 9, 2018

The Duchy of Lancaster has appointed two firms of independent local estate agents to let and review applications for tenancies at its residential properties in Lancashire and Yorkshire. Armistead Barnett in Lancashire and Harris Shields in …

Foxholes Refurbishment Showcases Duchy Standard

January 31, 2018

The Duchy of Lancaster has brought a Staffordshire cottage back to life transforming it into a modern family home which was let prior to completion. Foxholes Cottage on the Needwood Estate became vacant in December 2016 …

New Homes Underway In Cloughton

January 29, 2018

Mulgrave Properties has started work on a new-build scheme which will deliver much-needed quality housing on the Duchy’s Cloughton estate in Yorkshire. The 3.5-acre site was previously occupied by Town Farm before the Duchy in partnership …

Duchy Gets Go-Ahead For Large Refurbishment Project on Strand

January 15, 2018

The Duchy of Lancaster has obtained planning permission from Westminster City Council for the £multi-million refurbishment of Norman House at 105-109 Strand in the heart of the Savoy estate. The decision comes as a result of …

2017

New Rural Surveyor Joins The Team

December 21, 2017

In 2015 the Duchy of Lancaster realigned its Rural Surveys and brought the management of its Southern Survey in-house under its new Head of Rural, Christopher Sparrow. Three years on, the Survey has expanded by …

A Future Set In Stone

December 6, 2017

Two construction skills students in receipt of a Duchy of Lancaster bursary are heading for distinctions in their Finals next year. Peter Maynard and Tom Roscoe are both studying stonemasonry at Moulton College in Northamptonshire …

Active Woodland Management At Needwood

November 28, 2017

The Duchy of Lancaster is to partner with Natural England and the Forestry Commission to protect and improve 500 hectares of woodland on its Needwood Estate in Staffordshire. Over the next five years the Duchy will …

Duchy Grants Lease For Tidal Power Project

November 24, 2017

The Duchy of Lancaster has granted a lease over part of the Wyre estuary to facilitate the development of a new flood protection and tidal barrage scheme. Marine power specialists Atlantis Resources Limited are the lead …

Duchy Appoints New Team in the North

November 15, 2017

Following the announcement that the Duchy of Lancaster wished to strengthen the management of its rural estates, we are pleased to announce a number of key appointments in the North. From 1st November 2017, Rural Surveyor …

Works Underway On Major Conservation Project

October 27, 2017

Preparatory work for the next phase of the refurbishment and restoration of Lancaster Castle started on site last month and the demolition of the former Prison Visitors building is well underway. Scaffolding is now being …

Green Hotel Goes For Gold

October 18, 2017

A building which forms part of the Duchy of Lancaster’s historic Harrogate estate has been awarded a Gold Award by sustainability body Green Tourism. The Cairn Hotel on Ripon Road is the first hotel in …

Pontefract FC's Latest Signing

October 13, 2017

Pontefract Collieries Football Club (PCFC) has signed a new 25-year lease on their current premises at Beechnut Lane on the Duchy of Lancaster’s Pontefract Estate in West Yorkshire.  PCFC has been a tenant of the …

New Discoveries At Pontefract Castle

September 27, 2017

A floor and part of a wall thought to date back to the English Civil War have been uncovered during conservation work at Pontefract Castle. The discovery was made as work began on a £3.5m …

The Business of Farming

September 25, 2017

A Duchy farming tenant on the Needwood Estate is taking a fresh approach to his family’s dairy and poultry farm, introducing key business disciplines to improve productivity. Rupert Major believes that his livestock and poultry …

Duchy Commences Next Phase At Lancaster Castle

September 5, 2017

On Monday 4th September 2017, the Duchy of Lancaster started work on an extensive programme of repair and conservation works at Lancaster Castle. Scheduled for completion in June 2019, the works will open up the …

Green Energy Project On Track

August 22, 2017

One of the Duchy’s newest commercial tenants Tetronics has begun construction of a £27m green energy plant due for completion in 2018. Based at Marston Gate Industrial Estate in Swindon, the project has received Government backing …

Duchy Expands Team At The Castle

August 4, 2017

The Duchy of Lancaster is strengthening the management of its rural estates, bringing the Cheshire and Staffordshire Surveys together and combining its Lancashire and Yorkshire Surveys. A single lead surveyor will take on the role …

Refurbishment Breathes New Life Into Historic Workshops

July 26, 2017

The spectacular countryside of the Trough of Bowland and the comfort and character of the Duchy's refurbishment of a historic stable yard and workshops continues to prove popular with new tenants from across the county …

Annual Report and Accounts Year Ended 31st March 2017

July 19, 2017

The Duchy of Lancaster has today published its financial results for the year ended March 31st 2017. During the year: Net surplus increased by 7.9 % to £19.2m Net asset value increased by 4.8 % to …

New Residents Flock To Scalby Lodge

July 14, 2017

The newest tenants at the Duchy of Lancaster’s holiday cottages at Scalby Lodge have taken up residence on the cliff-top above Scarborough this month. Fencing has been erected to allow a flock of 30 sheep …

Preserving the Past, Investing for the Future

July 7, 2017

The Duchy continues to repair, restore and upgrade its rural residential properties across all Estates, with record levels of capital investment and the ongoing roll-out of its quality specification and Design Standard, we are now …

Newton Retained to Manage Financial Portfolio

July 4, 2017

Newton Investment Management has been reappointed to manage the Duchy of Lancaster's financial portfolio for a further 3 years, following a full re-tender process. The firm, which is the headquartered in London, is the global investment …

Harrogate Homes Selling Off-Plan

June 30, 2017

Almost 50 per cent of a residential development built by Linden Homes in Harrogate as part of a Joint Venture with the Duchy of Lancaster has been sold off plan. Local homebuyers have responded positively to …

Tidal Power Partnership

June 26, 2017

Renewable power company Atlantis Resources has been identified as the preferred developer for a proposed tidal barrage across the River Wyre in Lancashire. The proposed scheme will involve the construction of a 600m barrage across the …

Duchy Hosts Contractors At Palace Garden Party

June 22, 2017

The Duchy of Lancaster invited a selection of preferred contractors and building partners to a Royal Garden Party this year in recognition of the quality of their craftsmanship, repairing and refurbishing properties across the rural …

Her Majesty The Queen Visits Her Needwood Estate

May 30, 2017

Her Majesty The Queen as Duke of Lancaster visited a number of tenants on Her Duchy of Lancaster estates in Staffordshire on Thursday 25th May. The visit included a tour of Eland Lodge Equestrian Centre …

Celebrating 40 Years of Service

May 19, 2017

 Tenants, neighbours and members of the Duchy senior management team paid tribute to Tom Wells and his 40 years of service as the Duchy’s Clerk of Works in Lancashire earlier this month. Tom, who originally joined …

Yes, Pieminister!

April 26, 2017

An award-winning pie company is bringing its high quality offering to the Midlands, with the opening of a new Pieminister restaurant at New Oxford House on Waterloo Street in Birmingham. The Duchy of Lancaster has agreed …

Lancaster Castle’s Iconic Gatehouse Revealed Once Again

April 19, 2017

The City’s most iconic landmark has been revealed once again this week, with the removal of scaffolding and hoarding from Lancaster Castle’s John O’Gaunt Gate on Castle Parade. Over the past 12 weeks, the Gatehouse …

Bio-Diversity Mapped Across Yorkshire and Lancashire Surveys

April 12, 2017

The wide-ranging biodiversity audit launched last summer is well underway, with habitats on both the Lancashire and Yorkshire Surveys mapped, identified and quantified.  Carried out in partnership with Natural England and the Game and Wildlife …

Duchy Bursary Awarded to Emma Benson

February 28, 2017

A 20-year old student from Catforth in Lancashire has been awarded a Duchy of Lancaster bursary to support her during her degree studies at Harper Adams College in Shropshire. Emma Benson was presented with the …

Historic Weather Vane Restored

February 24, 2017

As part of the ongoing repair and restoration works currently underway at Lancaster Castle, the Duchy of Lancaster has refurbished and re-installed a historic weather vane on the top of the John O’Gaunt Gate. The …

Duchy Pre-Lets 9 Savoy Street

February 21, 2017

Following the extensive refurbishment of the ground floor of 9 Savoy Street, the Duchy of Lancaster has pre-let over 3,600 sq ft of space to STV. This latest commercial tenant agreed terms to enter into …

From Generation To Generation

January 31, 2017

A new chapter is about to begin in the long and proud history of Hareholes Farm Cottage on the Duchy’s Needwood Estate in Staffordshire.  Following an extensive refurbishment project, the building has been restored to …

The Foulsyke – Scarborough’s Finest

January 20, 2017

One of the newest Duchy’s tenants in Yorkshire is cooking up a storm, gaining five-star reviews for a farmhouse bistro and bed & breakfast, in the little village of Scalby on the outskirts of Scarborough. …

Bosch Becomes Duchy’s Newest Commercial Tenant

January 17, 2017

Multi-national technology company Bosch has become the Duchy of Lancaster’s latest tenant, taking over 100,000 sq ft of warehouse and office space in the Midlands on a five-year lease. The modern purpose-built warehouse is in an …