Phase two of a massive conservation programme is underway at
the castle this summer and the National Trust has launched a campaign to raise funds to meet the £500,000
needed towards the vital repairs.
Phase two involves capping the top of the Keep walls with turf to protect them from
further weathering; repairing original plasterwork; pinning back loose sections of stonework, and re-bedding
and re-pointing various sections of the walls. This has necessitated building a 23-metre scaffolding
tower to scale the tall thin pillar of the East Wall of the Keep. A 30-metre stairway from the Outer
Bailey to the Keep provides access for the conservation team. Alongside is a ‘railway track’ which transports
equipment and scaffolding poles up the steep embankment.
The two-year project, which is now half-way through, is designed to conserve the
stone work and restore safe public access to the top third of the castle. Recent warm, wet winters had
damaged the masonry; the mortar absorbed large amounts of water, which then froze and expanded during
frosts, causing it to crumble.
Pippa Russell, Visitor Services & Enterprise Manager, said:
'The
project obviously impacts upon the visitors’ experience at the castle, but we have found that most people
are fascinated to learn about the work which is needed to conserve an ancient ruin like this. In fact,
the hoist and scaffolding have become attractions in themselves!'
'We hope that everyone will appreciate how important it is for
us to get the repairs completed urgently. Due to the specialist nature of the work, it is a time-consuming
and costly project. The admission fees will help contribute, but we also need people to dig deep and
donate to the appeal, so that we can ensure that the castle is made safe again for visitors, and no
more parts of this amazing monument are lost.'
Throughout the works, as much of the castle as possible will remain open to visitors,
including the majority of the top section.
To donate to the appeal, pick up a leaflet from the castle, or
call 0844 800 1895, quoting source code NT070022A.
Background
During the winter of 2005/6 deterioration
of the castle walls took place and in April 2006 the top area of the castle, including the Keep and
Inner Ward, was closed to the public on health and safety grounds.Surveys were then carried out to determine
exactly what needed doing.
In summer 2006, stone conservators started work on the tumble, raking out the joints
and replacing old lime mortar with new. In spring 2007, the Gloriette and Inner Ward were reopenend
and Keep remains the only section of the castle closed to the public.
The project is due to be completed by summer 2008.
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