Conservation Management Plan - Tamworth Borough Council

2.3.4 Monitoring structural cracking
Although tell tales for monitoring structural cracks/movement were installed in various rooms of the castle in 1996
(including the Keep; Storeyed Porch; South Gable of Great Hall; fireplace mantle in Great Hall; around the windlass
walls above the well; stair well in the South Range; Intramural cupboard in South Range and other areas) the budget
for monitoring and recording this information was subsequently cut. This should be reinstated as a high priority in
order to maintain records and monitor any progressive movement.
Policies that relate to these issues:
A1; A2; B2; B3; B3.5
2.3.5 Deterioration of entrance into the South Range
Historic photos show that this highly decorative Jacobean door surround has been damaged and in decay for more
than 100 years (plate 30). However there needs to be a strategy for long term consolidation if more decorative detail
is not to be lost. Map evidence from 1883 (fig. 14) and historic photos show that it had a glazed covered walkway
from the entrance porch across the courtyard, set into it. This was removed when the castle came into public
ownership in 1897. The scar of the pitched roof is visible in the brickwork of the south range.
No doubt this caused considerable damage both when constructed and removed and this has hastened its
deterioration. The left hand engaged column may have been removed to attach the covered walkway. The soft
stone used for the decorative detail is also susceptible to weathering and decay.
The author has observed the lower part of the door surround being damaged by unsupervised children kicking at
the stonework to dislodge more stone. Information about the significance and vulnerability of the door surround
needs to be made available to change visitors’ behaviour. It is especially vulnerable on Open Days when large
numbers of visitors convene in the courtyard to watch re-enactors.
There needs to be a detailed strategy for repair and consolidation by a specialist conservation mason. The
decorative detail needs to be fully recorded before any repair work is undertaken, so as not to lose important
evidence like the apotropaic marks (witches marks) scratched into the door surround, perhaps at the time of one of
King James’ visits? (Fig 14; Plate 45)
Policies that relate to these issues:
A1; A2; B1; B2; B3; B3.3; B3.4; B3.5; B4; E4
2.3.6 Budget for repairs
Most of the detailed repairs specified in the 2006 condition survey have not yet been carried out.
In the past, money allocated for repairs on annual basis has of necessity, occasionally been allocated to other
essential areas of expenditure, such as staffing. Pressure on the annual repairs budget is likely to increase as the
forecast reductions in Local Government Expenditure are imposed by Central Government to reduce the national
budget deficit. In order to protect the castle for the future it is essential that a regular programme of repairs and
maintenance is protected to minimise the need for more costly repair/or replacement.
Policies that relate to these issues:
A2; A4
2.3.7 Carrying Capacity
Most of the surviving floors of the castle are of 17th - 19 th century date (softwood boards and brick or tile floors) and
both are visibly suffering from visitor footfall and lack of maintenance and repair. Stair treads are similarly worn. It is
important that these are returned to a sound condition, whilst safeguarding historic character and with protective
measures and future monitoring.
The Stud and plaster infill walls are also vulnerable to wear and tear from visitors brushing against them in rooms,
corridors and stairwells.
The original Jacobean staircases are particularly vulnerable and were not designed to take thousands of people in
one day.
68 Part 2 www.marionblockley.co.uk Tamworth Castle Conservation Management Plan