The Ivanhoe Trust was founded in 1986 as a joint venture between Doncaster Council and The Dartington Trust of North Devon. 

The aim was to create a Trust based on the Dartington model to assist in the economic, social and environmental regeneration of the Dearne Valley Communities.  Over the years the Ivanhoe Trust has delivered many projects of use to the local community in the business and social fields.  A Directory of translation facilities uncovered people who are fluent in Serbo-Croat, Flemish and Catalan together with 26 other languages. 

The Ivanhoe Trust also operated the Dearne Information Technology Centre (ITeC), helped establish Dearne Community Transport, and gave much assistance through a local advice centre. 

In 1988 the Trust reached agreement with English Heritage and Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council to participate in, what was then, a unique joint venture.  A Management Agreement handed day-to-day operation of the Castle to the Ivanhoe Trust.  This proved to be the forerunner of the English Heritage policy of devolving control of some of the properties it operates to local groups. 

The Ivanhoe Trust regarded Conisbrough Castle as a major opportunity to help regeneration in the Dearne Valley by means of encouraging tourism.  To this end much development has taken place at the castle to keep visitor numbers on an ever-rising curve:- 

• The Visitor Centre was constructed in the style of mediaeval jousting tents at a cost of £100.000 

• Yorkshire Electricity sponsored the installation of the floodlighting scheme, which cost £10.000. 

• Tea Rooms were opened in the Lodge and were franchised to two members of the local community.  The provision of the rooms cost £20.000. The Tearooms are now staffed by volunteers as part of the ENTOUR project.

• A car park has been installed to service the increase in visitor numbers expected from the Keep improvements at a cost of £100,000. 

In 1992 the Trust and English Heritage collaborated on the project to restore the roof and floors to the Castle.

The list of improvements to the Castle shows the benefits that are possible from devolving management to a more local level.  The steadily increasing number of visitors to the Castle also testifies to the popularity of the improvements and the revised management regime. 

Today, Conisbrough Castle is open all year round, seven days per week providing a tourist destination for around 35,000 visitors per year with nearly 12,000 of those visiting as part of an organised education visit.  In 2006 Conisbrough Castle will host 12 public special events during the spring and summer months.  Conisbrough Castle employs 10 members of staff in various capacities. This is only possible because of the unique way that the castle is managed and operated by The Ivanhoe Trust.

The Ivanhoe Trust is a registered charity: Number 519805.  Click Here to view the Ivanhoe Trust's listing on the Charity Commission's website.