Castle walls to come alive

AN EXHIBITION which captures the “fascinating and vivid” history of Conisbrough Castle will form part of the new £1.1 million visitor centre set to open next April.

If Walls Could Talk: Stories from Conisbrough Castle will focus in particular on the end of the 12th century when the unique castle keep was built.

The English Heritage project, carried out in partnership with Doncaster Council, is thanks to a £900,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and £100,000 from both Doncaster Council and English Heritage.

Work is due to start in September when the castle, which attracts 30,000 people a year, will close to the public until next year.

Clea Warner, English Heritage Yorkshire area manager, said: “Conisbrough is a fascinating place full of history and vivid characters.

“We want the new exhibition and visitor centre to bring the castle’s story to life, where the walls literally talk to you, and show the connection to the town and its people.

“We’re encouraging local people to be as involved as possible in the project and we’ll have lots of opportunities for volunteering and community-based projects over the next year.”

The new exhibition will feature information about its architectural style and how the castle’s residents lived, worked and played.

See this week’s Dearne Valley Weekender for full details.