Conservation Management Plan - Tamworth Borough Council

2.3.22 Park Management/ protecting the archaeology of the bailey
An archaeological watching brief during cable laying in 1997 noted a thin black layer of burnt wood or charcoal,
sealed by a layer containing saxo-norman pottery. This suggests there are early medieval archaeological deposits
surviving close to the ground surface within the bailey area of the park and these need to be protected from
accidental damage during routine groundworks.
The original construction of the flower beds with their low stone retaining walls in the late 1930s, along the line of
the southern rampart of the bailey could unwittingly have destroyed archaeological evidence.
There needs to be a programme of training and awareness raising for park staff and contractors, to explain the
archaeological significance of bailey/castle pleasure grounds.
It would be beneficial to prepare a conservation management plan for the Castle Pleasure Grounds as part of a
wider park management plan to inform its bid for Green Flag Status
Policies that relate to these issues:
B1; D3; D5; J1; J2; J6; E11
2.3.23 The impact of new work
All proposed new work should be subject to a Heritage Impact Assessment.
The junction between new work and the existing fabric needs particular attention, both for its impact on the
significance of the existing component of the castle and the impact on the contribution of its setting.
Where possible it is preferable for new work to be reversible so that the changes can be undone without harm to
the historic fabric. However reversibility alone does not justify alteration. If alteration is justified on other grounds
then reversible alteration is preferable to non reversible.
New openings need to be considered in the context of the architectural and historic significance of that part of
the castle. Where new work or additions make elements with significance redundant, such as doors or decorative
features, there is likely to be less impact on the aesthetic , historic or evidential value if they are left in place.
The plan form of each building within the castle is one of the most important characteristics, and internal
partitions, staircases (whether decorated, plain, principal or secondary) and other features are an important part
of its significance. Indeed they may be the most significant feature in some rooms. Proposals to remove or modify
internal arrangements, including the insertion of new openings, are subject to the same considerations of impact
on significance (particularly architectural interest) as for externally visible alterations.
The sub division of the main hall for example, which is significant for its open interior, impressive proportions, sight
lines and open roof structure, would have a considerable impact on its significance. This would need to be taken
into account in any proposals to enhance the interpretation and understanding of this space.
The introduction of new floors or the removal of historic floors would have a considerable impact on the
architectural, aesthetic, historic and archaeological significance. These changes would not generally be considered
acceptable interventions.
The insertion of new elements such as doors and windows is likely to adversely affect the significance of the
buildings within the castle, although it is fair to say that these have changed significantly over the 1000 years of its
use. The shop/cafe within the castle could be considered intrusive as it masks historic features in the south range
and limits their interpretation.
Small scale features, inside and out, including historic painting schemes, ornamental plasterwork, carpenters’ and
masons’ marks, chimney breasts and stacks, and inscriptions all contribute to the overall significance of the castle,
and removing or obscuring them will affect the significance.
Extant flooring materials can also be of interest in themselves. Additional care is needed on ground floors to ensure
that archaeological interest below the finished surface is not adversely affected by proposed works.
Policies that relate to these issues:
A1; B1; B3; C6; E10
76 Part 2 www.marionblockley.co.uk Tamworth Castle Conservation Management Plan