Restoration & Preservation

From a perilous state of decay the Castle has been saved from eventual ruin. The exterior is now fully restored and the interior consolidated. Exposed to the elements after the fire, the Castle decayed rapidly. Stonework eroded and unburnt timbers rotted until the whole structure was in danger of collapse.

Discussions between the Weld Estate and English Heritage led to the start of a programme of restoration. The first priority for the restorers was safety; dangerous and crumbling masonry were supported, scaffolding erected and the site was cleared of vegetation and loose debris.

Stripped of plaster and panelling by the fire, the naked walls revealed their history. Previously hidden details like bloked doorways and scars of demolished walls, together with historic records, were used to interpret the building's development over the centuries. This helped restoration to proceed with the minimum of disturbance.