By Pam McClounie

Last updated 15:23, Monday, 03 March 2008

THE Bishop of Carlisle will be able to stay in his home following a review of Bishops’ residences.

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The Bishop of Carlisle, the Rt Rev Graham Dow, and his wife Molly in Rose Castle

The Church of England wanted to sell off residences, like Rose Castle, to raise money for cash-strapped parishes.

But after a meeting and review, Rose Castle, near Dalston, which is home to the Rt Rev Graham Dow and his wife Molly, is able to stay as a Bishop’s residence.

Richard Pratt, spokesman for the Carlisle Diocese, said: “Following a review of the Carlisle house the board of governors of the Church Commissioners have decided to retain Rose Castle for the use of the Bishop of Carlisle.

“The suitability of each house is reviewed, as a matter of course, during the incumbency of each bishop.

“As one of the remaining historic houses, it is the board of governors that decides the future of Rose Castle.

“The site of Rose Castle has been home to the Bishops of Carlisle since the 13th century. Both the current bishop, the Rt Rev Graham Dow, and his predecessor, as well as the diocese, regard Rose Castle as suitable, offering appropriate living and working accommodation to meet the ministerial and family needs of the bishop.”

Rose Castle is one of the Church’s oldest palaces and was described by Wordsworth and Coleridge as “all but perfect”.

The Bishoprics Committee – an influential advisory group – had recommended its sale. It argued that the castle, with its 16 bedrooms, contravenes new guidelines, which recommend that bishops should not live in homes with more than five bedrooms and two bathrooms.

The Church of England has already decided to sell 800-year-old Hartlebury Castle, the residence of the bishops of Worcester since the 13th century, and other senior bishops have to make do with more modest accommodation to save on heating and gardening costs.

The Rt Rev Stephen Lowe, the Church’s Bishop for Urban Life, said: “There are those who believe that we should hold on to our heritage regardless of the costs, but I can’t justify these homes with 16 bedrooms to the poorer urban parishes struggling to pay for their clergy.”