The recently installed lighting on the castle mound is the latest enhancement to be made to Bishop’s Stortford’s attractive town centre park.
Councillor Sarah Hopewell, East Herts Executive Member for Wellbeing, said: “The extensive improvements made to Castle Park mean that the castle mound is now much more visible from the area around the park. Going pink this October will, we hope, help raise awareness of breast cancer, the most common cancer in the UK.”
Councillor Richard Townsend, Mayor of Bishop’s Stortford, said: “I’m delighted that the castle mound in Castle Park will be lit in pink to mark and emphasize the importance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It will be a strong visual reminder to all those affected and I hope it prompts us all to contribute in every way that we can.”
Around 46,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. This equates to 15% of all new cancer cases.
It is hoped that Waytemore Castle’s new lighting will support other charitable initiatives throughout the year.
The remains of Waytemore Castle stand at the top of the castle mound. Originally built by the Normans in about 1080, it was designed as an administrative centre rather than a defensive stronghold, giving the Bishops of London a strategic base.
Today, the castle motte is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The largest of its type in Hertfordshire, measuring 83m by 65m with a height of around 12m, it was raised entirely by hand and would have been visible for miles around. A display board near the steps gives insight into its role in the local area.
Castle Park was officially opened on 1 September 2024 after a major improvement project. The transformation was funded by a £2.5m grant from the National Lottery Heritage and Community Funds, together with contributions from East Herts Council and Bishop’s Stortford Town Council and supported by Hertfordshire County Council’s Countryside Management Service.
