Dr Gerald Arthur Rolph – the man behind the restoration of Allerton Castle – has been presented with an honorary OBE.
Dr Rolph was honoured by Her majesty the Queen in the 2020 Honours list for Services to Historic Preservation and Conservation, but saw the presentation delayed due to the pandemic and other issues.
But on Tuesday last week, Dr Rolph was finally presented with his award by the Lord Lieutenant of Yorkshire.
Dr Rolph purchased Allerton Castle in 1983 in a state of disrepair and in need of substantial structural and roof repair.
Investing his own money into the restoration, personally overseeing every repair.
Allerton Castle (Photo: Chris Chambers)
Close to completion, a devastating fire in January 2005 destroyed almost a third of the castle. Dr Rolph again set about rebuilding Allerton to the Grand Gothic Castle it is today.
In 2016, Dr Rolph gifted the Castle, its contents, grounds and estate to the UK charity The Gerald Arthur Rolph Foundation for Historic Preservation and Education, formed to preserve Allerton Castle for English and world heritage.
Allerton Castle continues to be operated by the Gerald Arthur Rolph Foundation.
Now a trustee of the Charity, Dr Rolph assists in passing on the knowledge of Allerton Castle to continue its preservation.
Allerton Castle regularly holds tours to allow people to experience the true history of the building and parkland.
To support the upkeep of the Castle and Foundation, Allerton also hosts weddings, private events, photo shoots and film and tv productions.