Castle Studies Trust Grants

Overview

The aim of this fund is to support the study and research of castles to enhance both scholarly and public education. This includes supporting historical and archaeological research, the promotion and dissemination of such research, and the production of other pieces of work such as reconstruction drawings that would help enhance the public understanding of castles and castle sites.

The Castle Studies Trust is able to fund types of work that enhance the understanding and knowledge of castles.

Grants will initially focus on new work on castles such as architectural and geophysical surveys or scientific tests such as radio-carbon dating as well as projects to enhance the general public’s understanding of castles such as reconstruction drawings.

Project Criteria

Focus on new discrete pieces of research. 

There will be no continuous funding, although if the same applicant wants to apply for funding for work on the same site but a different piece of research, they may.

Each project should be for an achievable specific result that will help advance the understanding of the studies of castles. 

Key types of work the Castle Studies Trust would fund: 

• Site-based survey work (e.g. geophysical, architectural, topographical, -LiDAR)
• Excavations
• Scientific tests on objects/materials from a castle site (e.g. radiocarbon dating)
• Review of historical sources (only as part of a Castle Studies Trust funded project)
• Pieces of work, such as reconstruction drawings, which would help the public understanding of a castle site. 

The Trust's focus for projects is on sites not managed by major heritage bodies, but will consider applications on sites managed by such organisations, especially free to access ones, subject to meeting strict criteria available from the chair of trustees.

Funding Level & Notes

Project funding of up to £14,000 including VAT can be considered

The Trust is willing to fund and co-fund.

Funding for a project is for the set piece of work as laid out in the application form and signed contract, regardless of the number of hours/length of time it takes within maxim time period    

No extra funds will be provided for completion of work

All projects must start within 10 weeks of the first tranche of funding being received with permissions obtained within same time frame. Projects must be completed within 12 months.

Costs specific to carrying out the project only, e.g. travel to and from site).

Who Can Apply?

Individuals and organisations may apply.

Applicants must be able to provide a sponsoring organisation's bank account to receive funding.