In 1998 English Heritage launched their Buildings at Risk register, a list of 1,500 Grade 1 and Grade 2 Properties, including scheduled ancient monuments.  This was the result of English Heritage’s concern that many of Britain’s historic buildings were in danger of crumbling away and being lost to the Nation.   

Since May 1998, Codnor Castle has been on the Castles of Britain at Risk register with a rating of 5. This means that since 1998 Codnor Castle has been in immediate risk of further rapid deterioration or loss of fabric- yet nothing has been done.For some time now, we have been monitoring Codnor Castle and its deterioration, which is of great concern. Therefore, we formed the Codnor Castle Preservation Society to stop the Castle from falling into further disrepair. Our first aim is that the remains of the Castle are consolidated and made safe to stop it from falling into further decay. UK Coal Mining Ltd, the landowners,are under a legal obligation to carry out this consolidation work commencing August 2006.

Our main goal is that the Castle will be reopened to the public, so that visitors can once again walk among the walls of Codnor Castle safely, and to ensure that our local heritage is preserved for generations to come. 

 If you would like to to join the society or require further information contact Gavin Chamberlain (Chairman)  Tel:  01773 746902. Membership costs £5.00 per household per annum. Cheques should be made payable to: 'The Codnor Castle Preservation Society' and posted to G. Chamberlain, 2, Norman Rd, Ripley, Derbyshire. DE5 3GL.

Patron:  Sir Humphry Wakefield Bt., of Chillingham Castle, Northumberland, feels that the preservation of Codnor Castle is of such historic importance, he has agreed to become our Patron and is assisting us in our endeavours. The Hon. Lady Wakefield is a direct descendant of the Greys of Codnor Castle.Lord Wakefield has already restored Chillingham Castle in Northumberland where he resides.  Chillingham is open to the public - to stay at Chillingham see the website www.chillingham-castle.com. He also rebuilt another family castle in Ireland, Lough Cultra Castle. 

A Brief History Codnor Castle was built after the Norman conquest by Henry de Grey, after Codnor estate came to him through marriage. The Grey family played an important part in England’s history as they were favoured by their respective kings, both Edward II and Edward III stayed at Codnor Castle. Members of the Grey family were present at Agincourt, the border wars with Scotland, the Crusades and many of the battles during the War of the Roses, including Bosworth. When Henry Grey died in 1496, Codnor Castle and its estates passed by marriage to Sir John Zouch. The Castle has changed hands a number of times since then and is now owned by UK Coal Mining Limited.

Codnor Castle (Codnor Park) is located east of Codnor, near Castle Farm.12 miles north-east of Derby on the A38-A610. It is possible to walk to the castle via the many public footpaths that link the twelve surrounding villages The site is visible from a public footpath, which passes the castle from Castle Lane.