Conservation Management Plan - Tamworth Borough Council

2.3.18 Presentation of the motte and bailey
The current appearance and layout of motte and bailey derives from a 1930s municipal planting scheme and flower
beds along the line of the southern bank of the bailey, rejuvenated in the 1980s at the same time as a planting
scheme of trees and shrubs was implemented on the motte by the parks department.
Since the 1980s there are less staff available for grounds maintenance and the tree and shrub planting on the motte
has become overgrown and masks the view of the motte and castle. The large horse chestnut tree adjacent to the
causeway up the motte was subject to considerable debate, including coverage in the local paper. Some consider
that it blocks the main view of the entrance to the castle, and of the decorative herringbone masonry of the
causeway. Many others have a strong sentimental attachment to it, as a key element in childhood memories of the
park and castle, spent collecting conkers in autumn. It is certainly popular with local children who enjoy collecting
conkers from it, and it is highly valued by the parks department who see it as a fine mature specimen tree.
The consultant ecologist sees it as an important habitat for bats.
Like many horse chestnuts across the country it is currently suffering from an unsightly fungal born disease known
as Guignardia Leaf Blotch. Although unsightly this disease does not kill the tree or render it dangerous.
Replacement of lighting, rubbish bins and flower containers needs careful consideration for its impact on the
setting of the castle.
Likewise poor quality repairs to the bandstand during the 1980s and 1990s have led to a reduction in its character
and significance (Plates 31, 32).
The Insensitive location of a yellow grit bin next to the medieval gatehouse diminishes the significance of the
scheduled monument. As does litter accumulating in the foundations and wood stain from the footbridge spilled
over the stonework of the monument.
Policies that relate to these issues:
C5 ; C5.1; C5.2; J5
2.3.19 Protection of exterior, motte and bailey
The grounds are open to 24 hour unrestricted access, with no surveillance outside normal opening hours. However,
intentional damage or vandalism to the castle and grounds are relatively low key, (compared to Weoley Castle) apart
from damage to the temporary chestnut paling fence at the base of the motte and recent graffiti on the 18 th century
urns. One of the urns was damaged a few years ago and had to be repaired.
There have been instances of trespass on the motte by children and free –runners using skateboards along base of
curtain wall and round perimeter path.
Noise from the balcony of pub overlooking the bailey has a negative impact on family groups and others enjoying
the bailey on summer afternoons/evenings, or taking part in events within the bailey.
Rubbish , including food waste which attracts vermin, is regularly dumped over the perimeter wall at base of motte
on north side, backing onto Market Street.
All these actions require a change in attitude and behaviour from certain sections of the castle audience to
encourage people to value the castle, understand its significance and perhaps even join in conserving and caring
for it. These aims are discussed below in section 2.3 and will be addressed in detail in the Audience Development
and Activity Plans.
There are no restrictions on night time access to the bailey and motte.
Delivery vehicles servicing the shops on Market Street and grounds maintenance vehicles routinely park at bottom
of entrance causeway. This is not only visually unattractive, but it blocks the main entrance to the castle, implying it
is closed, and is also potentially dangerous for groups of children visiting the castle.
Current arrangements for staff parking at the foot of the motte between Holloway Lodge and the Stables, need to
be regularised. This has a negative impact on the setting of the Aethelflaeda Monument, Holloway Lodge and the
Motte at an important gateway. When the diagonal path up the motte is re-opened it will also be dangerous and
form a barrier to access.
74 Part 2 www.marionblockley.co.uk Tamworth Castle Conservation Management Plan