Repairs to 19th century castle building completed

Work to make a Grade-II listed building secure and watertight has been completed.

Tamworth Borough Council said £161,000 had been spent on Holloway Lodge, a building which dates back to 1810 and forms the gateway to Tamworth Castle grounds.

It said the work was completed nearly three months later than originally planned because the roof had to be redesigned to avoid using lead.

The council said more work would be needed when funds became available to bring the building back to full use.

Tamworth Castle had been placed on the Heritage at Risk register in 2023 and the council said the work was "vital" to repair "one of our town's significant heritage assets".

It said: "Unfortunately, like many buildings of their age, they show signs of deterioration due to long-term exposure to the elements and age-related issues."

The new roof has been constructed using salvaged slate and stainless steel.

The switch away from lead was decided due to concerns that lead would attract thieves.

Other work included repairs to the exterior stonework. A large tree stump was removed over concerns it could damage the paving as it rotted.

Scaffolding was removed on 6 March and the council said the flat roof on the annexe would be addressed in the future, with the courtyard surface also improved.

The council has received £1,716,238 from the Arts Council England Museum Estate and Development Fund, to allow urgent repairs throughout castle complex.

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