Since its reopening was announced last September, Bader College has welcomed its first academic programs and released new details about its restoration.
Located on Herstmonceux Castle Estate in East Sussex, England, the college had been closed for two years to fix structural issues.
READ MORE: After $6 million spent on repairs, a new academic model is set for Bader College
“The restoration of a Grade I listed castle has been a major undertaking. As with any project of this scale and complexity, it has required careful planning, specialist conservation work, and patience,” Queen’s said in a statement to The Journal. “Seeing students and faculty back at the castle this spring has made that work worthwhile.”
Queen’s described the reopening as “a new chapter” for the castle. As the academic model is in its early stages, the focus will be on “short-term academic programming offered through the faculties and through partnerships with other institutions,” rather than the full-year undergraduate programming previously offered.
This spring, 80 law students, both from Queen’s and six other Canadian law schools began the eight-week International Law Program with three weeks at Bader before continuing their studies in Paris.
In an interview with The Journal, Director of the International Law Program, Gillian Ready, shared her experience being back with the program.
Ready said the program has been operating for 25 years. Following restorations, she hoped it would be the same as before. However, upon return, it “surpassed” her expectations.
Ready said the college has been “very responsive to what we’re looking for,” particularly in addressing challenges the program has faced in the past, such as transportation and meals.
“I think they’ve just given a lot of thought to running it in a way that works for students,” she said.
The program plans to extend its time at Bader. “Instead of being three weeks at the castle, we’re going to be four, and that’s a sign of the fact that it just all really worked well,” Ready said.
Additional summer programs are planned, including the continuation of the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee’s project to create acomprehensive digital record of Herstmonceux Castle.
Faculty from both Queen’s and partnering universities can use Bader College’s amenities to provide short-term academic programs.
Bader also has plans for continuing education initiatives, such as heritage craft workshops and professional development courses.
Heritage restoration expert, John Zielinski, will lead conservation courses funded by the Sussex Heritage Trust. According to The Queen’s Gazette, the courses are intended to help address a “significant skills and training gap” through the National Vocational Qualifications, a UK designation of practical skills in a specific career.
There will be an increased emphasis on “place-based research and education” at the castle, according to The Gazette, with a long-term rewilding project underway.
Ian Strachan, a professor in Queen’s department of geography and planning, will also be conducting ecological research at Bader over the next several years. Strachan began research there this summer with two students, giving them an opportunity to apply their classroom learning in the field.
In an interview with The Journal, he said he plans to return to Bader next summer and sees further potential for research at the site.
With faculty and students returning to Bader, Queen’s said the next phase is about “building on momentum.”
“More programs will use the estate, while the rewilding project will create a living laboratory for environmental research, opening new opportunities for students and researchers for years to come,” Queen’s said.
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Bader college, Bader reopening, castle, Law
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