The building dates to the mid 12th Century and was constructed as a traditional Motte and Bailey castle for Henry II.

The building was occupied through the medieval period up until the late 16th century where it fell into disrepair and the curtain wall and bailey were lost. The ministry of works took ownership of the castle in 1962, it is now open to the public and managed by English Heritage.

The project focus is on the conservation of masonry to the castle’s facades, constructed from Barnack limestone for quoins, string courses and window surrounds and Septaria the main walling stone. Isolated Caen also features in quoins and window surrounds.

The aim is to retain the historic fabric and prolong the buildings life for the foreseeable future.

The main focus has been the conservation of Septaria which was failing and in an on-going deteriorating condition across all the elevations.  Application of a designed render mix established following extensive exemplar trials will protect the masonry from further immediate loss.

Further works include replacement of Barnack using Clipsham stone, Caen with new stone, in addition to asphalt roof repairs and drainage and replacement timber windows and decoration.

Take a look at our video below to see how it was done…