- Hands-on workshops will empower residents and students to explore Tamworth’s past.
- The project seeks to uncover stories through archives, artefacts, and landscapes.
- Building long-term community skills and involvement in Tamworth Castle’s future.
Tamworth Borough Council is delighted to announce the launch of an ambitious new archaeology and community engagement project, ‘heritage in action: archaeology and community collaboration at Tamworth Castle bailey’.
The initiative, delivered in partnership with the University of Huddersfield’s Centre of Archaeology led by Dr William Mitchell, is supported by funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) through the Impact Acceleration Account (IAA).
A key element of the project is its strong focus on community collaboration and skills development. A programme of dedicated training workshops will be delivered, engaging community members alongside two local school groups. Participants will have the opportunity to work directly with archaeological archives, historic maps, imagery, artefacts, and previous excavation reports relating to the castle and its surrounding landscape.
These workshops are designed not only to deepen understanding of Tamworth’s past but also to equip participants with practical research and analytical skills. By helping people interpret archaeological evidence, the project lays the foundations for sustained community-led research supporting future archaeological study and research at Tamworth Castle.
The project will also deliver a series of improvements to the castle’s lower bailey, the top lawn where the bandstand is. Three new interpretation panels will be installed across the site, replacing outdated and vandalised materials that are now over a decade old. These panels will incorporate the latest archaeological research and will feature QR codes linking visitors directly to digital resources hosted by the University of Huddersfield. Providing an engaging and accessible way for visitors to explore the castle’s history in greater depth.
Also, a new exhibition hosted within Tamworth Castle will showcase the findings and experiences generated through the project. Developed collaboratively with those taking part, the exhibition will share community voices, making sure that local people play a central role in telling the story of their heritage.
The project has been awarded under the IAA Co-Creation Fund, with a total project value of £10,915.47. This includes £4,265.80 in funding from UKRI through the IAA, alongside a £6,650.47 contribution from the University of Huddersfield. Tamworth Borough Council is contributing in-kind support valued at £1,331.65, demonstrating a strong collaborative commitment to delivering meaningful impact.
Stephen Gabriel, chief executive for Tamworth Borough Council, said: “We are really proud to be working in partnership with the University of Huddersfield to bring a new archaeological history project to Tamworth. This project represents a major step forward in how we connect people with Tamworth Castle and its remarkable history.
“At a time when the castle is undergoing essential conservation, it’s more important than ever that our local people and children remain engaged and involved. By working with the university, we are not only uncovering new insights into the castle’s past, but also empowering local people with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to play an active role in its future.
“This is about creating a lasting legacy, one that strengthens pride in our heritage, supports our local economy, and makes sure Tamworth Castle continues to inspire generations to come.”
The ‘heritage in action’ project reflects Tamworth Borough Council’s ongoing commitment to protecting and celebrating the town’s historic assets while making sure they remain accessible, relevant, and engaging for future generations. By combining academic expertise with community collaboration, the initiative will strengthen local pride and make sure that Tamworth’s rich heritage continues to be discovered and valued by all.