Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland has announced its biggest restoration project in 130 years, a once-in-a-generation re-roofing of the centrepiece King's Hall that will be accompanied by new visitor experiences including live-streamed conservation work and a rooftop viewing platform.
The seven-figure project, described by its owners as part of a 'landmark year', will take place during 2027 and will amount to the castle's largest restoration in 130 years. The last restoration took place there in 1895, with the King's Hall on the medieval site being part of what was the final big project of Victorian engineer and inventor Sir William Armstrong.
Major Conservation Work on King's Hall
The work needed to re-roof the striking hall, one of the staterooms currently being transformed for Christmas, will see much of the conservation effort live-streamed. The castle remains privately owned by the Armstrong family, and it is income from its visitors which directly funds its ongoing care, including the upcoming roofing work.
Visitors can feel fully involved with each step of the project, as a range of new experiences will be on offer at the same time. Along with the live-streaming will be a new rooftop viewing platform giving a close-up view of the painstaking work, which will include such details as reusing the same brass screws made at the Victorian engineer's Armstrong Works in Elswick, Newcastle, which remain in strong condition.
New Views and Exhibition
From the castle's unique elevated position on the coast, the new perspective will take in not just its beautiful stretch of beach and Bamburgh village but also views further up the coast to Holy Island and the Farne Islands. There is also to be an exhibition showing the evolution of the fortress.
Its owners have been sifting through the archives and uncovering lots of treasures to go on show, including correspondence about the First Lord Armstrong's renovations. Current owner Francis Watson-Armstrong said: “For more than 1,400 years, generations of people have cared for Bamburgh Castle, each leaving their mark and protecting it for those who follow. I'm proudly that custodian today.”
He added of the major work to come: "This is the most significant conservation effort here since Lord Armstrong's restoration in 1894. It will be an exceptional time for people to visit the castle."
Christmas Kingdom and Timeline
The castle's annual Christmas Kingdom attraction, which transforms the suite of state rooms with a new festive theme each year, will open to the public on November 14 and will run until January 3. The restoration is due to begin in January, and once the roofing work is under way, the new exhibition will open in February in the King's Hall.
There visitors will be able to learn about the castle's changing roles through history, from being an Anglo Saxon royal citadel to its use as a film set, as well as about the people whose skills and craftsmanship have preserved it over the centuries. Mr Watson-Armstrong added: "As well as safeguarding Bamburgh Castle for future generations, we want to give visitors a window into the skill and craftsmanship involved in looking after it."
The conservation work, which is expected to be complete by next November, will be shown through a live video feed linked to the roof, and this also will open from February. News of behind-the-scenes tours is due to be announced too.
