Apethorpe Hall, hidden in the heart of Northamptonshire near Oundle, has recently been described as the ‘biggest risk’ English heritage has ever taken. It was put on the English Heritage Buildings at Risk register in 1998, when it was bought for just over three million pounds by English Heritage with taxpayer’s money. Since then a further four million has been spent on restoration. Critics have been quick to talk of a waste of taxpayer’s money, but in my opinion the work of Simon Thurley is a cause our nation should be proud of.

This is a site so rich in British history that although I feel it was questionable for English Heritages to insist that the property be sold only to a private buyer, their work is still admirable. Through their actions, a national treasure has a chance of survival. With this in mind it is not English heritage that should be criticised, but the government body responsible for not giving sufficient funding in order to complete this truly inspirational project.

Built in the late fifteenth century, Apethorpe has entertained both royalty from the houses of Tudor and Stuart, and is truly one of the most spectacular Jacobean palaces which still stand. Built for Sir Guy Wolston, who held the position of Constable at the Royal Castle at Fotheringhay, it was acquired by Sir Walter Mildmay in 1551 and was host to Elizabeth I in 1566. The Hall was added to by each owner, which has contributed to the charming character of this building. James I spent time to take part in his ‘more commodious entertainment’, and he invested in the grounds and planted oak trees in Rockingham Forest. As a favorite destination for the Stuarts who enjoyed the local hunting, there were more than thirteen recorded royal visits, which is more than any other house between the years of 1566 and 1636.

This house holds some of the richest history of this period, however it has been over fifty years since a family took residence at the hall and now English Heritage are relentlessly searching for a new owner. Although they originally insisted that the property be sold to an individual buyer who would use it as a private home, due to recent developments in the markets, English Heritage have now agreed to accept offers from other concerns.

Simon Thurley is still convinced that a buyer will be found, stating on a BBC documentary that ‘the long term plan is to sell this house’ to a buyer who is ‘not only going restore it’ but also has ‘the ability to look after it for the future.’ This project is one of great confidence and ambition and should it conclude successfully, it is hoped that similar large scale projects could be attempted in order to retain Britain’s rich and influential history. Therefore I agree with Thruley when he proclaimed, ‘We are creating history.’