In 1987, my wife and I had one of our first dates in the beautiful gardens of Newstead Abbey, the enchanting ancestral home of the illustrious English poet Lord Byron. Precious memories are attached to this serene place that was beautifully kept all year round. We hold a deep appreciation for its historical significance and beauty.

However, the future of this culturally-rich site needs to be ensured well into the future. We call on Nottingham City Council to commit to handing over Newstead Abbey to the National Trust or English Heritage. These respected organisations have proven records of preserving and maintaining historic landmarks, ensuring their survival for future generations to appreciate.

Newstead Abbey is not just an Abbey; it's a piece of England's rich history, and it will need very significant resources to protect it. The continuous challenges of maintenance and preservation suggest that stewardship by a dedicated heritage organisation will secure the historical site's future more effectively. We commend the city council for its stewardship of the abbey to date. However, it is simply not possible for a local authority to dedicate the necessary resources to preserve the abbey in the way it deserves. 

Preserving Newstead Abbey is about preserving history and culture. Therefore, we urge Nottingham City Council to take prompt action and preserve this cherished site for future generations. Please sign this petition to insist on the future safeguarding of Newstead Abbey.