A centre to train craftsmen in the skills needed to protect England’s historic buildings has officially opened in North Yorkshire.

The Heritage Training Centre in Bedale is the first of its kind in the UK, dedicated to ensuring skills like stone masonry and building with lime are not lost.


It’s been created by Heritage Craft Alliance Ltd in the grounds of the Thorp Perrow Arboretum, with the support of organisations like The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment, the National Trust, and British Waterways.

It’s taken more than a year to plan, and will offer professionals training in specialist skills, as well as giving young people formal qualifications to go into the workforce.
A grant from DEFRA allowed the development to go ahead.

Thorp Perrow’s owner, Sir John Ropner, says “I’m relieved to see these buildings being used to train the next generation of craftsmen, with a bright future in caring for our past”.

Keen amateur enthusiasts will also be able to try their hand at courses like Repairing Leaded Glasswork, and Green Timber Framing.

Managing Director of Heritage Craft Alliance Ltd, Glenn Young, says “we’re terribly excited about the project, and we’re working very hard to ensure that people enjoy the experience”.

The centre can cater for around one thousand people every year, and it’s hoped the centre will now attract more visitors to the area and generate revenue for the Thorp Perrow Estate.

N.B William Hague officially opened the site on 9th September