Conservation Management Plan - Tamworth Borough Council

2.3.40 Relationship to other local heritage attractions
A clear gap in the story told at Tamworth Castle is the important story of Saxon Tamworth and its central role in the
kingdom of Mercia. This has become even more significant since the discovery of the Saxon hoard of gold and silver
objects found a few miles west of Tamworth in 2009.
Links could be made through a Mercian Trail linking St Editha’s church, the Saxon Watermill, Middleton Lakes Saxon
weir, town defences, Moat House, Wall, Polesworth Abbey, Lichfield Cathedral, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
and Stoke Museum.
Policies that relate to these issues:
A3; E5; G12
2.3.41 Presentation of interiors: authenticity
The high quality of available documentation for room uses and furnishings in the 1680 Ferrers probate inventory
allows an unusual degree of historical accuracy in the presentation of certain rooms, rather than the more usual
generalised attempt to recreate period room sets. A research -based presentation of some rooms could be
attempted with good quality replicas.
Policies that relate to these issues:
G6
2.3.42 Intellectual access and interpretation-hierarchies of information
Effective interpretation is tailored to the needs of specific audiences and a variety of different media and levels of
interest need to be catered for. Degrees of choice in what is explored and in what depth can help stimulate interest
and encourage return visits. Access to additional information about the castle, the people who visited, lived or
worked in it and the collections can be provided through online access, hand held audio visual guides, conventional
room files of via volunteer room stewards/guided tours. There is a need for an overarching interpretation strategy
linking the castle and town.
Policies that relate to these issues:
G1; G3; G7; G10
2.3.43 Methods of guiding-self guided trail, audio guide, guided tour and costumed
guide in character
There are range of available means to assist exploration of the castle, and many have been put to good effect.
The most effective are the costumed interpreters who act out roles in the first person. They also lead education
workshops and deliver performances at special events. The main period for re-enactments is Tudor. Given the
constraints of staff time and costumes these performances are offered on a limited number of days, although this is
increasing over the summer holiday period.
The present guidebook is a souvenir rather than a trail guide. There is confusion amongst first time visitors trying to
find their way round the warren of rooms within the castle and there is a need for a well designed and informative
self guided trail leaflet that not only provides a clear route to follow, but also identify the highlights not to be missed
and tells the significance of each room.
The same content could also be provided as a download for an MP3 player to guide people round.
Tamworth Castle Conservation Management Plan www.marionblockley.co.uk
Part 2
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