Castle gets a major revamp

Specialist stone masons are hard at work on the landmark building on Castle Hill off the A518 Castle Bank.

New stone steps are being put in place and a new visitors' entrance is being constructed at the front of the keep with the entire west wing also in the process of being reconstructed.

Stafford Borough Council is paying for the refurbishment which is being carried out with the backing of English Heritage.

The masons from Stafford-based Sandy & Co are using Hollington Stone from a quarry in Uttoxeter to carry out the repairs as it is believed to be the original material used.

The Normans built the first castle – a timber fortress – in 1100. It was extended over the years and a massive stone keep was built on top of the motte in 1347 and in 1444, Humphrey Stafford was created Duke of Buckinghamshire and the castle reached its heyday.

During the 17th Century the castle was abandoned and demolished.

It was eventually rebuilt on the original earthworks in Gothic Revival Style in 1813, but it gradually fell into ruin.

In recent years the council has carried out extensive archaeological work on the site and a host of important material was unearthed.

The impressive castle will form the backdrop for this summer's Shakespeare production of Much Ado About Nothing.

It is intended that the new entrance will be completed in time for the start of the open-air production on June 28.

Former Coronation Street soap actors Stephen Beckett and Sally Lindsay will star in the play along with My Family actress Siobhan Hayes.

Nightly performances will continue until July 14.

Tickets can be booked at the box office on 01785 254653 or at www.staffordfestival shakespeare.co.uk

Stafford Castle is open from Tuesdays to Sundays from April to October, and Bank Holiday Mondays, from 10am to 5pm. From November to March it is open Saturday and Sunday only, from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free with the exception of some events. For further information contact 01785 257698.