Rose Castle will no longer be used as the see house of the Diocese of Carlisle, after the 14th century heritage site was considered too expensive and extravagant by the Church Commissioners.Built in 1340, the residence requires £1.7million for works and would then continue to consume money while failing to set a good example of environmental responsibility.
The 14-bedroom home also seemed excessive for the new Bishop of Carlisle, the Rt Rev James Newcome, who is married with four adult children.
The secretary to the Church Commissioners, Andrew Brown, said: “Rose Castle is a wonderful property but a lot of money would need to be spent to make it suitable for a home and base for the bishop’s ministry.
“There are many calls on the Commissioners’ financial support for the Church’s mission and ministry and so tough choices have to be faced. It was not an easy decision, but with local support, the Board of Governors feels it is the right decision for the Church of England’s mission.”
Rose Castle had been approved as a see house when assessed in 2008, but now that the Church’s finances are threatened by the turmoil in the economy, they have decided to stop using the building.
The suitability of see houses is considered when the bishop’s office becomes vacant, so a Church spokesperson said that other bishops housed in expensive buildings need not worry.
The Bishop’s Council of Carlisle Diocese supports the decision and is in discussion with the commissioners to find a new home for Bishop Newcome, and to work out the future of Rose Castle, which could be sold.
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