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There has been public speculation on the future of Hartlebury Castle and the Hurd Library, which is situated in part of the building, following Bishop Peter Selby’s announcement of his retirement as Bishop of Worcester with effect from 30 September 2007.
It has been known for some time that the Church no longer regards Hartlebury Castle as a suitable house for the Bishop (this decision was reached in 1996) and the Church Commissions are looking to find a replacement house. This was seen as a positive step by both the Bishop of Worcester and the Bishop’s Council when a definite decision was made in December last year. The new Bishop will live elsewhere irrespective of a decision on the future use of Hartlebury.
The Church Commissioners have not entered into any agreement with any other party about the future of the Castle. They are naturally discussing matters with Worcestershire County Council, which has a leasehold interest in the wing of the building that houses the County Museum. They have also had discussions with officers of English Heritage.
The Hurd Library is, of course, an important factor in any future decisions on the Castle. One option, which will necessarily depend upon reaching an appropriate agreement with any future owner/occupier of the Castle, is that the Library stays in situ with continuing public access. Another option that has been suggested for consideration is its relocation to Worcester Cathedral.
The Commissioners have not yet taken any decisions on the future of Hartlebury Castle or the Hurd Library.
ENDS.
The Diocese of Worcester is one of 44 dioceses in the Church of England. It covers an area of 671 square miles and includes parishes in the County of Worcestershire, the Metropolitan Borough of Dudley, and a few parishes in northern Gloucestershire, south east Wolverhampton and Sandwell.
