Tamworth Borough Council are marking the end of the current conservation repairs to part of Tamworth Castle’s external curtain wall and roof, by sealing a time capsule in the castle wall.
The exciting installation of the capsule has honoured the final stages of the current project that has seen work, that commenced in March, deliver essential conservation repairs.
Work has been carried out on the external curtain wall, west rampart (including iron railings), part south elevation of the north range, part north and west elevations of the south range and reroofing of the passageway to the staffroom. Visitors will notice that the scaffolding has already started to be removed.
The capsule was placed in the wall by the Mayor of Tamworth, Councillor John Harper, with the stonework being secured by Craig Osborne, the site manager for Midland Conservation Ltd, who are leading the repair work. The idea is that if the wall needed to be restored again in years to come, people working on it would find the capsule left by the latest stone masons to work on this historic monument.
The capsule includes design plans for the curtain wall projects by Purcell architect, a copy of the book ‘If These Walls Could Talk’ printed by Tamworth Castle that includes stories by local writers inspired by the project, a photo of the castle team, and the mayor’s card. All items that record our community and staff commitment to our castle and the architectural work that was completed.
Contractors Midlands Conservation Ltd, have repaired and restored the curtain wall, replacing coping stones and repairing the balustrade for the parapet. The chimney on the back of the Great Hall has been rebuilt and repointed as well as a further stack adjoining the curtain wall.
Andrew Barratt, Chief Executive for Tamworth Borough Council, said: “The curtain wall repairs has provided an opportunity to update our understanding of the condition of the castle and place a time capsule within the walls to mark our place in the castle’s history, enabling people in the future to reflect on how we have impacted the preservation of our great monument.
“We are very lucky to have such an amazing building, undergoing this essential repair work and leaving a reminder of what we have done, will ensure that this historic building continues to stand proud and remain a part of Tamworth’s rich history.”
For information about any castle events, opening times and admission prices, please contact the castle on 01827 709626 or visit: www.tamworthcastle.co.uk.