Wentworth Castle: From private house to place of change

The magnificent house that stands in the middle of the Wentworth Castle Gardens estate was built for one man’s self-importance. It is now the home of our partner Northern College, where adults study in a residential setting.
Thomas Wentworth bought and developed the house to rival his cousin’s estate at Wentworth Woodhouse, giving it the name Wentworth Castle. In 1948 the house was sold to Barnsley Council and became a women’s only teacher training college. In 1978, Northern College was established. The College continues to offer opportunities for adults to have a second chance at education.
With the house as the backdrop to your visit, discover the formal gardens, castle and parkland at Wentworth Castle Gardens. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wentworth-castle-gardens
It’s time for change. Book your course at Northern College today. www.northern.ac.uk
Film made by TripleDotMakers. tripledotmaker...
With thanks to all the participants who were interviewed for the film.
Made possible with Heritage Fund.

[@stephenburns3678]

Thank you.
Great use for the building. To help others and enrich others

[@CrazyMama75]

I was lucky enough to attend the crèche here when I was a child, I loved exploring the building and grounds (and going there helped feed my interest in architecture), when my mother did weekend courses there. Then as a young adult I lived there for a year as a residential student for an access to higher education diploma, something in the teaching and high expectations with adeqiate support heloed me thrive academially wherenother colleges hadn't, incredibly hard working staff and beautiful setting (imagine writing your draft essay on the grass in the grounds 🥰). And when I had children they were able to go to the crèche when I did some weekend courses there, and I loved showing them the grounds and building and watching them explore the place as I once had. Unfortunately since covid the crèche option is gone which is such a shame so I'm not able to go anymore as I'd need childcare to attend.

[@jappleg9981]

What a wonderful story about the history of the castle and estate and what it has evolved into which is equally wonderful for the community.