Conservation Management Plan - Tamworth Borough Council

Consideration needs to be given to providing a marked disabled access parking space/or drop off point close to the
entrance of the castle.
Vans and lorries entering the park (for deliveries and events) are damaging the archway of Holloway Lodge, there
needs to be a weight/size limit on vehicles entering the Castle Pleasure Grounds via this route and an alternative
access point identified for events/large contractors/delivery vehicles in the Castle Pleasure Grounds.
Policies that relate to these issues:
C5; E4; E11; G9; J1;J2;J3;J4;J5;J6
2.3.20 The condition of the North Face of the Wing Wall
Whereas the prominent herringbone south face of the wing wall up the motte has been regularly repointed over
the years (albeit with hard cementitious mortar) the north wall has received only piecemeal and ad hoc repair, and is
not generally covered in quinquennial condition surveys as it is difficult to access.
The north wall of the herringbone wing wall up the motte is being damaged by neglect, derelict buildings built up
against it and the growth of self-seeded trees. It is not possible to gain easy access to monitor the condition of this
wall as it backs onto the yards of properties on the south side of Market Street in separate ownerships. There needs
to be an agreement with all the owners to allow access for recording, repair and monitoring the condition of this
wall and removal of negative elements which are affecting its significance.
Policies that relate to these issues:
B5; J2
2.3.21 Management of the Motte
One of the most significant aspects of the castle is the motte. It is the most prominent feature of the castle that
visitors see when they visit or walk through the Castle Pleasure Grounds.
In the 18 th century the castle grounds were enclosed by a stone wall and the motte was planted as a private pleasure
garden. By 1897 at the castle’s formal sale the motte is described as being planted with well grown trees. Historic
photos show the evolution of vegetation cover on the motte (Plates 8, 12, 16, 19).
Until 2001 vegetation on the motte was regularly maintained by Tamworth Borough Council. In 2001 the
ornamental railings alongside the castle steps walk collapsed and were removed. The steps were closed and regular
maintenance on the motte ceased. By 2005 the motte was overgrown with brambles and ivy. With approval from
English Heritage major clearance of dead trees, brambles, self set trees and weeds took place on the south side of
the motte.
Following the guidance in the English Heritage publication ‘Managing Earthwork Monuments-a guidance manual
for the care of archaeological earthworks under grassland management’ a management plan for the motte has been
prepared.
The ecological survey undertaken for this Conservation Management Plan has made additional recommendations
for management and enhancement of the ecological value of the motte, and these should be included in the
updated motte management plan.
The broad leaved woodland cover on the north side of the motte is considered to be of ecological value at a local
level for the range of fauna that it is likely to support, including mammals and birds. However it is not considered to
be of particular intrinsic value for the plant species that it supports.
Within Health and Safety constraints it may be possible to engage local volunteers in habitat monitoring and
enhancement and simple maintenance tasks on the motte as part of the Castle Activity Plan.
Policies that relate to these issues:
J5; C6; J1; J2; J6; E11
Tamworth Castle Conservation Management Plan www.marionblockley.co.uk
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