WORK is now underway on a major £6.4 million restoration project at the home of one of the country’s leading public schools.

The work on Bolton House at Ampleforth Abbey and College, near Helmsley, is part of a wider £17 million fundraising programme which will also see restoration work at the monastery and abbey church as well as contribute to the bursary fund.

Designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, Bolton House was built in 1933 as a boarding house for Ampleforth College of which alumni include Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes.

Work is being carried out by William Anelay, a specialist in the conservation and restoration of listed and historic buildings, including Chester Cathedral and York Minster.

Once restoration is complete, Bolton House will initially be used to house the monastic community, while the monastery is refurbished, after which it will be used by the students of Ampleforth College.

Procurator Father Wulstan Peterburs said: “Fundraising and revenue generation is critical to securing the future of the monastic community who have lived and worked on the site since 1802.

"Throughout our history, we have used business acumen and good planning to help support the work of the Benedictine community as efficiently and effectively as possible."