One of South Yorkshire's most intriguing landmarks is undergoing a comprehensive refurbishment that is guaranteed to be everyone’s cup of tea!

Boston Castle, Grade II Listed and completed in 1776 by the Earl of Effingham who was a keen supporter of the American Independence movement at the time, is currently undergoing a £860,000 restoration under the auspices of 247-year-old building restoration firm William Anelay, Paul Hewitt Architects and other conservation consultants on behalf of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and the Friends of Boston Castle.

The Earl named the former shooting lodge in honour of the Boston Tea Party, the catalyst revolt against a tax on tea imposed by the British that led eventually to the formation of an independent United States of America. The Earl actually banned the drinking of tea in protest!

The 28 week refurbishment, being carried out by William Anelay Ltd, has been made largely possible by just over £590,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), with the remaining funds coming from Rotherham MBC and Landfill Tax money from Biffaward. The project started in mid August 2011 and will continue until handover in March 2012

Semi-derelict and unused for the past decade, the castle is situated in Boston Park which is popular with walkers due in no small part to its fantastic views over the Rother and Don valleys.

The site is being transformed into a centre from which visitors can explore the heritage of Boston Castle and surrounding areas and will also form an important resource for local education provision as well as playing host to cultural activities organised by the Council. A small outdoor amphitheatre, directly in front of the revamped entrance, is another exciting addition to the on-site facilities.

The restoration will also transform the castle into an attractive event space, illuminated at night time that will be commercially available for hire for local groups and businesses.

Site Manager Kevin Webster explained: “There are four facets to our work here encompassing demolition and salvage, construction of a new two storey extension, refurbishment of the existing property and associated external works.

“We started off by demolishing the existing WC block and a Victorian extension attached to the main castle building. One remaining wall was left standing that will form part of the new extension.

“Rotherham red stone was reclaimed from the site and is being used for the new build element which consists of a beam and block ground floor with concrete blocks used for the internal plastered and decorated walls complemented by a render and salvaged local stone exterior.

“The new build extension will also include an accessible platform lift and toilets. The existing Castle will have new timber staircases, doors, sash windows and other associated features installed topped off by a traditional timber roof.” added Kevin.

The existing building was in a poor state of repair and subsequently all redundant fixtures, fittings and damaged structures were stripped out including a steelwork viewing platform that was placed on the roof of the castle during the second world war to provide a platform for fire watchers due to the castles elevated position over the town.

Kevin went on “We will be making good and repointing all damaged and missing masonry on the external walls and renewing the timber roof structure together with the incorporation of a terne coated stainless steel roof covering.

“Mechanical and electrical services will be installed throughout the existing castle and new build,” added Kevin.

Councillor Amy Rushworth, a Council Cabinet Member for Lifelong Learning and Culture and chair of the Boston Castle Project Board, commented: “The castle is of historic importance to Rotherham. It is a major landmark which deserves to be restored to its former glory. It will be splendid to see its regeneration as it will be hugely valuable in terms of educational activities.”

Janet Worrall from the Friends of Boston Castle and Parklands echoed those words: “The Friends group is delighted that after eight years of campaigning and some disappointments along the way, the restoration of Boston Castle is now going ahead.

“The story of this historically important building will not be forgotten. It has been Rotherham’s landmark since 1776 and will now be preserved for future generations,” she added.

Vernon Carter, MD of William Anelay, commented: “William Anelay has worked on many historic venues around the UK similar in nature to Boston Castle where there is a great deal of pride and interest taken by local people.

“Our historic architecture must be able to engage with and inspire local communities. The refurbishment of Boston Castle will create a venue that everyone can be justifiably proud of and we’re pleased to be contributing to such an important project.”

It’s clear that Boston Castle is being transformed into a venue that will bring pleasure and enjoyment to visitors of all ages regardless of their choice of beverage!