RESTORING OUR BELOVED ST DONATS CASTLE
Phase 1 of the Castle Renovation Plan
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UWC ATLANTIC COLLEGE AND ST DONATS CASTLE
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The magnificent and historic St Donat’s Castle stands as the crowning jewel of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast. Commanding an awe-inspiring view of the Bristol Channel, it features extensive ancient woodland and original Tudor gardens that gracefully cascade towards the Bay of St Donat's below. It is one of the oldest continually inhabited castles in Wales and both the castle and its extensive grounds bear immense historical and architectural significance, possessing Grade I listed status.
In 1960, St. Donats was eventually acquired by the Frenchman Antonin Besse, who generously donated the castle to the governing body of UWC Atlantic College - the first of the United World Colleges (UWC) founded by the eminent German educationist Kurt Hahn. The mission of UWC was to bring together young people from around the world to help create an atmosphere for peaceful coexistence between cultures and nations during the height of the political conflict of the Cold War.
Tracing its origins back to the 12th century, St. Donats was held by the Stradling family for a span exceeding four centuries, before transitioning through various owners. In 1925, it ultimately came under the ownership of the American Newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, who, until his passing in 1951, expended substantial resources in restoring the castle to its former glory. Indeed, Hearsts’ extravagant parties hosted on the sprawling 60hectare estate attained legendary status, graced by luminaries such as Charlie Chaplin, Frank Sinatra, Sir Douglas Fairbanks, future President John F. Kennedy and his family, and playwright George Bernard Shaw.
Over the years, UWC Atlantic College has shone as a paragon of international learning. Today, it accommodates nearly four hundred gifted and dedicated young scholars hailing from over 90 nations, cohabitating and studying together, pursuing the International Baccalaureate over a span of two years. The castle serves as the vibrant core of the college community, serving as the home for student classes and communal gatherings. Additionally, it houses the college’s commercial and community programs, encompassing open days, summer residential schools, educational visits, filming and weddings.
PRESERVING ST DONATS CASTLE FOR THE FUTURE As castle custodians, UWC Atlantic is responsible for preserving this unique structure for centuries to come and for everybody within the local, national and international community. Sadly, key areas of the castle are in poor condition with some rooms no longer usable as the roofs have deteriorated over decades of deferred maintenance, which has lead to excessive water ingress.
In 2021, a comprehensive castle survey was undertaken, funded by two alumni. This survey assessed the quality and condition of the castle structure and advised on how to repair and maintain its fabric. It noted that a key priority would be to restore the castle roofs, some with immediate effect. A total of 42 roofs were identified and were ranked in order of priority based on historic significance, use and condition. Four roofs were identified as key priorities, including: The former Brewhouse roof The Academic Administration roof The iconic Portcullis Tower The Great Hall roof For Phase One of our castle renovation strategy, our aim is to therefore repair all four roofs, and to also restore the walls, doors, windows and interiors of the Portcullis Tower. Our goal is to return the tower to its original state, ensuring the working of the portcullis itself (making it the only working portcullis in the UK), and transforming it into an iconic space as a heritage room for the college and wider community to visit and enjoy. Funding for the Academic Administration roof has already been secured and a local, highly skilled contractor has been employed with work beginning in the Autumn of 2023.
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HERITAGE THAT INSPIRES
“The castle has been home to learning at UWC Atlantic for over 60 years, it is steeped in history and heritage and deserves to be restored and conserved so generations of leaners can enjoy this unqiue seat of learning.” – Naheed Bardai - Principal, UWC Atlantic
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ESTIMATED COSTS The ongoing costs to maintain and preserve a 900-year-old building are high, with the college also having to address continuous maintenance. Raising our target of £763,644 for this initial Phase 1 will enable necessary repairs and create new ways of sharing St Donats Castle with our wider community.
PROJECT
WORK INVOLVED
COSTS
Academic Administration Roof
External works: Removal of roof covering; installing battens, breather membrane and reclaimed slates; box valleys; scaffold.
£211,644 (already secured)
Brewhouse Roof
External works: Removal of roof covering; installing battens, breather membrane and reclaimed slates; box valleys; scaffold.
£82,000
External works: Stonework cleaning & repair; roof works; scaffold. Portcullis Tower*
Great Hall Roof
Internal works: repair and replacement of timber roof structure; repair to timber beams and stonework; repair and refurbishment of opening mechanism for gate; walls, window repairs and refurbishing
External works: introducing safe maintenance access; overhaul dormers for improved ventilation; improve rainwater disposal; repair leaching; scaffold
£150,000
£763,644
TOTAL *There are naming opportunities in particular for the Portcullis Tower, if a donor is able to fund 80% of the cost.
£320,000
(Inclusive of VAT at 20%)
Funding still to be secured
£552,000
If you are passionate about conserving heritage, community engagement and supporting learning, we would love to hear from you. The Philanthropy, Engagement and Partnerships Team Call: +44 (0)1446 799000 Email: philanthropy@uwcatlantic.org