Tamworth Castle is undergoing its biggest restoration in modern history as specialist contractors begin a £1.9m project to save the thousand-year-old landmark. The work will repair crumbling masonry, fix the south wing roof, stabilise structural problems, and replace the ancient drainage system that has caused the castle to sink over years of water damage.
The restoration is funded by £1.7m from Arts Council England and £190,000 from Tamworth Borough Council, with support from Historic England. The project will take approximately 18 months to complete, with the Townshend Room closing for three months during drainage work. The rest of Tamworth Castle will remain open to visitors throughout the restoration period.
Visitors will have the unique opportunity to watch conservators and archaeologists at work during the restoration. Archaeologists will monitor every excavation to ensure nothing historically significant is missed, protecting precious artefacts including items from the Staffordshire Hoard. The project addresses water damage from broken pipes that has been waterlogging parts of the building for years.
Project manager Martin Nee, who grew up exploring the castle grounds in Tamworth, leads the restoration effort. He has expressed that taking charge of restoring his childhood playground is something he never imagined would happen. The restoration project represents a crucial investment in protecting Tamworth Castle and its contents for future generations of visitors and residents.