1 Lancaster Place, Strand, London, WC2E 7ED NEWSLETTER
A Place of Sanctuary Building Conservation SavoyStrand New garden for Chichele Students restore historic New landmark building College in Higham Ferrers Duchy crest takes shape Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Welcome A Vision for Dunsop Bridge
>Nathan Thompson, CEO
The last 12 months have presented some extraordinary challenges for us all. The outbreak of COVID-19 in the UK in March has meant that the past six months have required everyone to think differently, work creatively and act responsibly to >Dunsop Bridge, Whitewell keep themselves and others safe. This has undoubtedly been a time of national The picturesque village of Dunsop Bridge lies crisis and one which sadly has had tragic at the heart of the Duchy’s Whitewell Estate consequences for large numbers of in the Trough of Bowland in Lancashire. Over people as well as presenting economic the past year, the Duchy team has been challenges for all. exploring options for the redevelopment of John F Kennedy famously pointed the former garage site in the centre of the out the word for ‘crisis’ in Chinese is village. A number of traditional buildings at made up of two characters side by the nearby farm have also been identified side – one which denotes ‘risk’ and the as requiring significant repairs to bring them other representing ‘opportunity’. This back into use. has been borne out by many companies, Taken together, these two sites present particularly those in the hospitality sector an opportunity to take a more strategic who found themselves to be the hardest approach and create a new and sustainable hit at the start of this global pandemic. ‘hub’ for the village. This would serve Their ability to adapt and sustain the local community, support the local their businesses during a national and economy and help to make the village more ensure that any plans put forward reflect indeed international lockdown has been sustainable for future generations. the input, feedback and ideas of the local inspirational. As we have been unable to gather the community. For our part, the Duchy team community together to discuss the concept Questionnaire responses are being has been working hard to support our during the COVID-19 outbreak, the team has analysed and will inform the design process. most vulnerable tenants and the wider circulated a questionnaire to all households Once restrictions are lifted a public open to canvass local views. The project is at a meeting will be held in the village to discuss ...cont. on Page 2 very early stage, but the Duchy is keen to the proposals.
Preserving the past, investing for the future Summer 2020 ...cont. from Page 1
communities across the estates. We A Place of Sanctuary Extending Our responded quickly to introduce safe working practices and have managed to Whitewell keep the London and Lancaster offices open for essential work throughout. We have worked collaboratively with >Chichele College, Estate partners, community groups and tenants Higham Ferrers across our estates to mitigate the risk of infection and my thanks to the team for A medieval garden brought back to life by volunteers has provided the people of Higham their dedication and support. Ferrers in Northamptonshire with a place of sanctuary and quiet contemplation during Despite the operational constraints the Covid-19 pandemic. presented by a global pandemic, we have Now the walled garden of Chichele College is to be complemented by the addition achieved many of the targets we set of a new Duchy Barn Garden. The garden will provide opportunities for members of ourselves at the end of last year. local charity, the Higham Ferrers Gateway Club, to gain practical experience of planting, >Whitewell Estate, Lancashire We continue to restore and upgrade >Restored courtyard at Lancaster Castle pruning and growing, creating raised beds of vegetables and a herb garden as well as a our rural residential properties and wildlife area rich in biodiversity. At the beginning of the year, the Duchy while the completion of our major Chichele College is a rare surviving example of a chantry college, a type of institution purchased 332 acres of land in the redevelopment project on the Strand has common in England in the 14th and 15th centuries. It was founded by Henry Chichele, Forest of Bowland. Higher Lickhurst Farm been delayed, the finished product will Archbishop of Canterbury, in 1422 as a college for secular canons. marches with the Duchy’s Whitewell be worth the wait. The refurbishment of Today the Ancient Scheduled Monument is under the guardianship of English estate and the steading includes a range the lower courtyard at Lancaster Castle Heritage. www.english-heritage.org.uk of modern agricultural buildings as well has also been completed, allowing access as an agricultural dwelling in need of to the visiting public for the first time refurbishment. In addition to the farm’s in generations. We remain committed 226 acres of pastureland the acquisition to improving the environmental Protecting Biodiversity also includes ownership of two-thirds sustainability of the business and have >New Castle café >Teaching and conference suite of the adjoining Stanley Common which made progress both in improving soil undertake an audit in the next 12 months covers a further 96 acres. health and the delivery of our woodland to categorise the nature and scope of the The Whitewell Estate now extends management strategy. habitats on our foreshore. to 6,369 acres within the Area of My thanks to everyone for their Lancaster Castle Revealed The study will highlight any risks to the Outstanding Natural Beauty of the Forest continued cooperation and support long-term sustainability of these habitats and The refurbishment of the lower courtyard at Lancaster Castle was completed in of Bowland. It is part of the Duchy’s during a period of unprecedented identify opportunities for the conservation November, revealing historic buildings which had remained hidden for more than a Lancashire Survey which also includes challenges. I hope that you and all of priority species. It will also involve the generation. Estates at Myerscough, Salwick and members of the wider Duchy family mapping of environmental designations and A new public piazza now provides step-free access to the famous Well Tower Wyreside. continue to remain safe and well >Dunraven Bay, Ogmore land uses. in which the Lancashire Witches were held before trial in 1612 as well as the King’s throughout the year ahead. An action plan will then be developed Evidence Tower and Male Felons Tower. to ensure the long-term protection of this The refurbishment has also uncovered an arched cloister walk and restored the Working in partnership with the Game and Nathan Thompson invaluable natural resource. Woodland original sightlines between the Castle and the city’s Priory Church, a Grade I listed Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), we will CEO, Duchy of Lancaster building founded as a Benedictine Priory in 1094. A new purpose-built café, gallery space and fully equipped teaching and conference Management suite have been created, bringing more of the Castle’s original buildings back into public use. The café is operated by local coffee roasters and baristas Atkinsons and the teaching Environmental Sustainability suite has been let to Lancaster University. The natural environment has been a major area of focus for the Duchy this year. We are Happy 30th Traditional crafts are also represented at the Castle with resident experts Alan committed to encouraging increased take-up of countryside stewardship schemes among Ward and Sara Dennis conducting workshops in stone-carving, calligraphy, life drawing, our tenant farmers over the next ten years, improving the health of our soil, increasing embroidery and needlework. Later this year the Castle hopes to play host to a week biodiversity and ensuring sustainable woodland management across the estates. Birthday to of classes for the Royal College of Needlework, subject to compliance with COVID-19 Several of our farming tenants have started to introduce environmentally friendly restrictions. practices into their day-to-day operations. For some this has included direct drilling; a system of seed placement where the soil is left undisturbed with crop residue remaining >Protecting our woodland on the surface from harvest until sowing. HMS Lancaster This year marked a milestone birthday for Following an extensive refit the flight Over two-thirds of our arable farmers have expressed an interest in introducing this We have created bespoke management the Queen’s Frigate as she entered her third deck has now been re-commissioned and the methodology and we have offered a capital grant which will help them to invest in the plans to further develop the sustainability decade since being launched by Her Majesty primary weapons and sensors fully tested necessary equipment. of the woodland on the Crewe, Queen Elizabeth II on 24 May 1990. and proven to be operational. The focus will We are continuing to encourage the Whitewell, Wyreside and Pickering To mark the occasion, the ship’s now turn to training throughout July and use of flower and seed rich mixes in field Estates for the next 20 years. Each area company gathered on the flight deck to August before the ship reports to Plymouth margins and borders in order to protect of woodland will be carefully monitored tuck into the enormous cake baked by the for Basic Operational Sea Training in the and preserve the biodiversity across our in line with the Countryside Stewardship duty chefs. Since entering front-line service autumn. estates and have set ourselves a target of Woodland Improvement Scheme to in May 1992, HMS Lancaster has remained Later in the year, HMS Lancaster looks planting 500 acres of new woodland over ensure that we continue to improve at the core of the Royal Navy’s frigate fleet forward to test-firing her new Sea Ceptor the next five years. overall biodiversity and resilience to providing maritime security, war and peace- missiles before taking part in an exercise run >Field margins and borders >HMS Lancaster climate change. keeping activities across the globe. by the Norwegian Navy.
Preserving the past, investing for the future Summer 2020 � 2 Preserving the past, investing for the future Summer 2020 � 3 Restoration and Renewal New High SavoyStrand Takes Shape We continue to invest in the restoration and Quality The refurbishment of the former Norman House at 105‑109 Strand updating of our residential is well underway with good progress made before Government portfolio, paying particular restrictions were introduced as part of the response to the attention to the fabric of Homes COVID-19 outbreak in March of this year. the properties, many of In all of its development projects Renamed SavoyStrand to reflect the building’s heritage as part which are listed. the Duchy is committed to ensuring of the historic Savoy Estate, the completed project will provide high On our Yorkshire the highest standards of design and quality office and retail space while creating a stronger physical Survey, we have worked specification. Our aim is to work connection between the Strand, The Queen’s Chapel of the Savoy closely with local with partners who share this vision and Embankment Gardens. conservation officers to to and whose schemes demonstrate The redesign includes the addition of two new storeys to the remodel and upgrade two a clear commitment to quality and front façade and three new storeys to the rear, as well as open historic listed properties – sustainability. We want to work with terraces with commanding views over the River Thames. Floors 2 one on the Pickering estate developers who deliver schemes which and 3 have been pre-let, as has the ground floor retail space. and one on the Cloughton are sympathetic to the natural landscape Contractors returned to site in May 2020 and the work is now estate. Both were let to and which complement the surrounding progressing with the installation of the new services, including two local families within days environment. new lift cars and air-conditioning equipment. The project is expected of completion. to complete in the spring of 2021 and following this tenants will fit- Almost £4m has been invested across the rural estates in the last 12 months as we out their floors for occupation. continue to upgrade our residential portfolio in line with the Duchy design guide and >SavoyStrand front elevation quality specification. Duke of Lancaster Housing Trust As a responsible landowner, the Duchy is particularly >New reception area >Open plan offices >Rooftop terraces mindful of the need to provide high quality housing at >Duffield Cottages >Francis Jackson Homes affordable rents within rural communities. Earlier this year, Duchy Council One example of this has been our approved our target of acquiring 40 affordable In September the Duchy added two new partnership with Francis Jackson Homes acquisitions to the Urban portfolio: a BMW/ homes by March 2021. These are owned and in Caldecott, Northamptonshire. The administered by the Duke of Lancaster Housing Trust, New Office Suite Completed Mini car showroom in Newcastle-upon-Tyne firm’s Bidwell Lane development of five and a Ford car showroom in Stockport, a charity established in 2007 with the consent of Her individually designed homes is nearing We have completed the Majesty The Queen. In the last 12 months a further Greater Manchester. This is part of our completion with only two properties still refurbishment of several floors strategy to ensure we maintain a well- four properties have been added to the Trust’s available for sale. The scheme will be of a large split-level block on portfolio bringing the total number of homes under balanced and diversified asset portfolio. >The Old Milk Store fully completed in September 2020. Savoy Street in London during its ownership to 33. Both acquisitions are guaranteed by lockdown. The finished project Pendragon plc. provides contemporary open plan office space in one of London’s most historic and prestigious Supporting Young People addresses. Located between the Strand and the Embankment, the >The refurbished office space The Duchy of Lancaster continues to development. The new placement will start original building was built in the encourage young people studying in September 2021. 1920s and also houses the Duchy’s agriculture, land management and In a new working partnership this administrative headquarters. traditional construction skills. Around year, the Duchy also joined forces with Historically, the second floor £30,000 is awarded annually in the form the City & Guilds of London Art College to of 9 Savoy Street was home to >Newcastle-upon-Tyne of bursaries and scholarships to students restore a piece of our history. Our thanks multiple small offices with no at Harper Adams University in Shropshire, to students Cody Cochrane and Louise >Stone-built terrace >Cycle storage facility external space. The interior has Myerscough College in Lancashire, Moulton Davison for their careful restoration and now been converted into a bright College in Northamptonshire and Lancaster repainting of the stone-carved Duchy crest open plan space of 4,980 sq ft with a new private stone-built terrace overlooking University. which sits above the front door of our the River Thames. Two parking spaces in the basement of the adjacent building at This year we have also launched administrative headquarters at 1 Lancaster Brettenham House have also been converted to provide shower and cycle storage a 12-month placement for a sandwich Place in London. The work was completed facilities serving tenants within the building. course student at Harper Adams University in just six days by the students who are in All works were delivered whilst observing strict Government guidelines on social to provide practical experience of the their final year of a 3-year Conservation >Restoring the Duchy crest distancing and travelling to places of work. workplace and a chance for further career Studies degree. Stockport, Manchester
Preserving the past, investing for the future Summer 2020 � 4 Preserving the past, investing for the future Summer 2020 � 5 Getting to know… The Reverend Canon Thomas Woodhouse, Chaplain
What is your role within the Duchy? these two ‘Offices’ my day can be as I am Chaplain of The Queen’s Chapel of the random as it can be for anyone reading this, Savoy, Chaplain of the Royal Victorian Order despite a well-ordered diary! and a Deputy Priest-in-Ordinary to Her Majesty. My hope is that the Duchy staff will What do you do to relax? help me define my role within the Duchy! Those who have met me will not be My ambition is that as we continue to get to surprised when I say I love conversation know one another, you will decide how best – I delight in people! But I can be quiet, to use the skills I bring to our common life. and I enjoy walking alone (or in company) in urban landscapes as well as in the What does a typical day entail? countryside and I love being near water. I At the ordination service priests are told: listen to the radio a lot and I like the idea >Reverend Canon Thomas Woodhouse Remember always with thanksgiving of watching television, but I cannot watch that the treasure now to be entrusted to rubbish and often leave the room before the end of a programme! you is Christ’s own flock, bought by the What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever shedding of his blood on the cross. It is to I have had great fun looking after been given? him that you will render account for your the gardens in our five parsonage houses. stewardship of his people. The only possible My wife, Kate, and our daughters might If I could remember I might have got on way to meet that charge is to begin and add ‘relaxing with them’, which it is…. better! However, in his Letter to the Romans end the day in prayer: when I arrive at the sometimes! St Paul wrote: Let love be genuine; hate chapel, I say Morning Prayer and before I what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love leave, I say Evening Prayer. Who would your ideal dinner guest be? one another with mutual affection; outdo When I am praying I think about the Someone who brings a bottle and helps one another in showing honour. Do not lag people I have planned to meet or have with the washing up. in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. indeed met; I pray for The Queen and Royal Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, Family; the worshipping community at the What super power would you most like to persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs chapel; the Duchy staff; the Officers of the have? of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. Royal Victorian Order and anything that has With four amazing daughters, some quiet He offers a lot of advice in a few crossed my desk, or people and situations time to reflect on how blessed I am! And if lines and I always come back to “extend that have crossed my path. And between that is not possible infinite wisdom… hospitality”. New Head of Rural Investment Appointed The Duchy has appointed a new Head Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered of Rural Investment to support the Surveyors (MRICS), RICS Registered Valuer management and growth of its rural estates and Fellow of the Central Association of across England and Wales. Agricultural Valuers (FAAV) in 2002. Prior Carol Hawkey joins the team from the to her work at the Church Commissioners, Church Commissioners for England, where Carol was a partner of Bidwells, and has she spent over seven years as Head of Rural chaired the Institutional Landowners Group Asset Management. In her previous role, of the CLA. Carol was responsible for a £900 million A keen sportswoman, Carol is an portfolio of diversified rural property, experienced horsewoman, having recently including 100,000 acres of tenanted been accepted as a civilian support rider for farmland, 6,000 acres of strategic land and the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. 500,000 acres of mineral assets and working She is also an accomplished musician, quarries, as well as overseas assets in playing both modern and baroque violin at a renewable energy and forestry. professional level. Born and brought up on a farm Carol is married to The Reverend in Scotland, Carol graduated from the Dr Jamie Hawkey, Canon Theologian of University of Aberdeen in Sociology and Westminster Abbey and a Chaplain to Her >Carol Hawkey with a Masters in Land Economy, becoming a Majesty The Queen.
Preserving the past, investing for the future Summer 2020 � 6