Bradgate House Ruins Reopen: A Historical Journey

0:00It's March 26, I'm Corey with the story, and this is Lester News today, local news powered by AI. Great news for history fans in Lestershire. The 500-year-old ruins of Bradgate House and Bradgate Park are reopening to the public on Wednesday April 1, 2026. The Bradgate Park Trust has used more than 7,000 handmade bricks to repair and stabilize the site so far. Scaffolding has come down from two towers, showing off the fresh patchwork of repairs that will blend in over time. Work has also kicked off on the formal garden walls. These ruins hold a special place in history, as the believed birthplace of Lady Jane Grey, known as the 9-day Queen. Her short rule ended when Mary I took over, and both she and her father were executed in 1554. Last year, restores replaced the chapel ceiling, fixed the monument, and gave it a fresh look inside. Looking ahead, crews planned to rebuild the staircase tower. Instead of viewing platform, and strengthen the big kitchen fireplace.

1:02Meanwhile, more pointing, brickwork, stone dressing, and wall repairs are on the way. Visitors can explore from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., starting that day, even as the project keeps moving forward.