Queen's University's international campus, Bader College at Herstmonceux Castle in East Sussex, U.K., was abruptly closed in November 2023 due to serious structural issues. A report obtained through freedom of information laws reveals that the centuries-old castle suffered from "ad hoc maintenance" and hadn't undergone a detailed quinquennial inspection in nearly 28 years, leading to significant defects. While Queen's has approved $5.5 million for urgent repairs, the estimated total cost is $14.2 million, raising concerns about the university's ability to afford the castle amidst its own budget deficit in Kingston, Ontario.
Queen's University's fairy-tale castle was crumbling. A report cites 'ad hoc maintenance'
EnglandEuropeUnited KingdomEnvironmental conservation and preservationEducation costsStudentsFreedom of information
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Queen's University's international campus, Bader College at Herstmonceux Castle in East Sussex, U.K., was abruptly closed in November 2023 due to serious structural issues. A report obtained through freedom of information laws reveals that the centuries-old castle suffered from "ad hoc maintenance" and hadn't undergone a detailed quinquennial inspection in nearly 28 years, leading to significant defects. While Queen's has approved $5.5 million for urgent repairs, the estimated total cost is $14.2 million, raising concerns about the university's ability to afford the castle amidst its own budget deficit in Kingston, Ontario.
Trending- 1 Herstmonceux Castle dates back to 1441
- 2 Alfred and Isabel Bader purchased castle in early 1990s
- 3 Renovations between 1993 and 1994
- 4 Castle closed in November 2023
- 5 Quinquennial inspection report completed in April 2024
- 6 Repairs expected to continue into the fall
- 7 2025-2026 budget for Queen's projects an operating shortfall of $26.4 million
- Abrupt closure of Bader College at Herstmonceux Castle
- Layoffs of almost all staff and students sent home
- Significant repair costs for Queen's University amidst its budget deficit
- Concerns about the long-term viability and financial sustainability of the castle as a campus
- Damage to the castle's historic fabric due to neglect
- Frustration among students who had their experience cut short
What: Queen's University's international campus, Bader College at Herstmonceux Castle, was closed due to serious structural issues caused by "ad hoc maintenance" and a lack of detailed inspections for nearly 28 years.
When: Herstmonceux Castle dates back to 1441. It was purchased by Alfred and Isabel Bader in the early 1990s, with renovations between 1993 and 1994. The castle was closed in November 2023. A quinquennial inspection report was completed in April 2024. Repairs are expected to continue into the fall. Queen's University's 2025-2026 budget projects an operating shortfall of $26.4 million.
Where: Herstmonceux Castle, East Sussex, U.K. (Bader College, Queen's University international campus). Queen's University is based in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
Why: The castle suffered from a lack of systematic maintenance and detailed quinquennial inspections for decades, leading to significant structural defects. This neglect, combined with the university's ongoing budget deficit, creates a financial challenge for its upkeep and raises questions about its stewardship of the historic site.
How: The castle was closed for urgent repairs after structural issues were discovered. Queen's University is funding initial repairs ($5.5 million of an estimated $14.2 million) through its capital budget. The university is exploring new business models for Bader College, including short-term cohorts and increased commercial activity, and is working with Historic England to develop a proactive monitoring and maintenance program.