An historic Cumbrian castle will reopen its doors as an international centre of peace and reconciliation.

The sale of Rose Castle sparked concern among locals and historians, who feared it may be bought by developers.

The 13th-century property was the home of the Bishop of Carlisle until 2009.

In 2011 Church Commissioners decided it was simply too costly to maintain the building and announced their intention to sell.

The Rose Castle Foundation was formed several years ago, and has been working to buy it with the intention of using it as a base for an international centre of reconciliation and peace.

This week the sale was completed, including the castle, gardens, a farmhouse, cottages and 65 acres of land.

The Rose Castle Foundation is a charitable organisation chaired by the Bishop of Carlisle, the Right Reverend James Newcome, and Professor David Ford, Emeritus Regius Professor of Theology at the University of Cambridge.

Its founding director, Sarah Snyder, lives in Bassenthwaite and has recently been appointed as the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Adviser for Reconciliation.

The foundation addresses misunderstanding and builds bridges between individuals and communities experiencing conflict.

Bishop James said: "We are thrilled our plans for Rose Castle are reignited following very generous donations to enable the castle to be purchased. Our heartfelt thanks go to those who have invested in this historic building and in our vision.

"There has been a lot of hard work and detailed discussion in recent years to enable us to get to this point. We recognise there has been a real groundswell of support in Cumbria for what we want to achieve and for this we are very grateful.

"We also know that the coming months will be equally busy as we look to develop our plans for the building while also growing new ways in which we can offer opportunities for communities to come together to explore channels of reconciliation and peace."

Sarah added: “The world desperately needs experienced reconcilers, trained to transform conflict and build lasting peace. Such work must start at the community level – bottom up, not top down – if it is to be sustainable.

“All too often it appears that religion and religious differences are a cause of conflict, but in fact the vast majority of people of faith long for peace.

"Governments and the United Nations increasingly recognize the vital role of religious leaders and their communities in transforming conflict."

Joseph Cannon, chief surveyor to the Church Commissioners, said: "Rose Castle served the Church of England for centuries.

"No longer a suitable base for the Bishop’s ministry, it is a suitable home for faith-based reconciliation and we wish the Foundation every success in its work."

Janet Queen, head gardener, will continue her long-term care for the gardens.

The foundation has a new website , for anyone hoping to find out more about it.