Conservation Management Plan - Tamworth Borough Council

elates to a design concept or a particular event, rather than being held directly in the original fabric of the castle,
restoration or replication is more likely to be acceptable.
Stripping off finishes such as plaster to expose rubble, brick or timber-framed walls never intended to be seen is
likely to have an adverse effect on the castle’s significance and the individual rooms within its ranges. This would be
caused by the loss of historic materials and original finishes and harm to the aesthetic.
If it is proposed to remove more modern coverings that are harmful to the significance or integrity of a room,
appropriate materials will need to be introduced to ensure an authentic and/or suitably detailed finish is achieved.
If there is any doubt about the authentic finish, it is better to create a simple finish rather than one with speculative
decoration.
Sometimes early framing or finishes were covered up because they were in a poor state and unacceptable loss of
original fabric may result from works to make the earlier surface visually acceptable.
Replacement of one material for another, for example on the roof, may result in a loss of significance, and will
need clear justification. Therefore while the replacement of an inappropriate and non-original material (such as
bituminous roofing felt) can be easily justified, more justification will be needed for changes for changes for one
type of lead, tile or slate roof covering to another.
Within the timber framed elements of the buildings within the castle the restoration should involve minimising loss
of original fabric and retaining structural integrity. Secondary elements , such as the infilling of timber frames, are of
value and their retention will maintain the integrity of the whole building. The reuse of original materials whenever
possible will meet conservation and sustainability objectives.
If convincing evidence is available, it may be appropriate to take opportunities to reinstate missing architectural
details, such as columns, balustrades and cornices or missing elements of a decorative scheme, using traditional
methods and materials. This might include for example a speculative simulation of a section of the decorative
scheme in the ‘Gilt Leather room’ described in the Ferrers Inventory, or the decorative detail around the Jacobean
doorway into the south range.
Policies that relate to these issues:
B1; B3; B4; D3
2.3.17 Restoration of archaeological features
Restoration as opposed to repair, may be appropriate where there is compelling evidence of the former state of the
structure and demonstrable benefits to the significance of the standing remains would benefit. By weighing the
merits against any harm caused, including the archaeological interest, the acceptability of such an approach can be
established.
There needs to be a careful balance between the long term benefits of bringing a ruined structure (like the
medieval gatehouse lodging range) into use, with the impact on significance of the direct damage to the fabric that
might result from the restoration.
Restoration of elements to benefit the ongoing management and conservation of the motte, such as infilling gaps
in the mound, vegetation clearance and dealing with the effects of burrowing animals is a justified reason for
restoration.
Restoration of buried remains is unlikely to be acceptable. If the remains still form a structure (in form of
foundations, for example the lodging range adjacent to the medieval gatehouse) work to remove the soil
overburden and expose the remains may be justified, but will need to be balanced against the likely threat to the
sustainability and archaeological interest.
It is probably more appropriate to illustrate the past appearance and educate visitors about the site through
reconstruction drawings presented in a range of accessible media.
Policies that relate to these issues:
B1; B3; B4; D3
Tamworth Castle Conservation Management Plan www.marionblockley.co.uk
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