Conservation Management Plan - Tamworth Borough Council

Low significance
Elements which are of individually low value in general terms, or have little or no direct significance in promoting
understanding or appreciation of the site, without being actually intrusive.
The street lights in the bailey are of low significance
The benches and brick wall in the bailey are of low significance, and arguably intrusive
Arguably the bright flower beds on the bailey ramparts are of low historical significance, but they are a popular
feature of the municipal park.
Intrusive
Items which are visually intrusive or which detract from or obscure understanding of significant elements or values
of the site. Recommendations may be made on removal or other treatment.
The staff room and kitchen and the toilets are all intrusive.
The fire exit from the first floor of the north wing, out through the Shell Keep is intrusive.
The shop is intrusive and hides aspects of the architecture and fittings of the South Range.
The electricity sub-station on the Herringbone wing wall, is particularly intrusive and insensitively sited.
The grit bin sited next to the medieval gatehouse is intrusive
The Ankerside Shopping Centre is intrusive and negatively affects the setting of the castle and its bailey.
The 1950s extension to Holloway Lodge is intrusive.
The 1970s retail unit (Nationwide Building Society Building) is intrusive and affects the setting of the medieval
gatehouse and bridge and the important route through to the bailey from the Market Place.
Lower degrees should not be taken to imply that elements so assessed can be lost or damaged without having an
impact on the significance of the site as whole. Each element contributes to the overall values and character of the
site and should not be sacrificed without assessing the broader implications.
1.3.4 Assessments of Significance
Overview of Significance - what is special about Tamworth Castle?
In overall terms Tamworth Castle represents:
• A monument and a group of buildings that are of national archaeological, architectural and historic
interest and importance. This significance is reflected in its current designations as a Scheduled
Ancient Monument with several listed buildings within the scheduled area.
• One of the oldest and largest of all Norman castle mounds
• An exceptional survival of a rare Norman polygonal shell keep with integral tower
• An exceptional survival of a rare (possibly unique) Norman herringbone masonry double walled
wing wall causeway up the motte
• A place with good historical evidence for compelling royal associations
• A major monument accessible to the public in the care of Tamworth Borough Council
• An authentic and atmospheric place with the power to evoke a sense of direct contact with
those who have lived in it over 900 years
54 Part 1 www.marionblockley.co.uk Tamworth Castle Conservation Management Plan