First phase of conservation work ends at castle remains

Friends of Pontefract Castle gathered to view the work, which is making the medieval remains accessible to more visitors.

Funding of £100,000 from Wakefield Council and English Heritage has paid for 10 information boards, a flight of steps to the keep and other conservation work to stabilise the remains of the castle, parts of which are 800 years old.

The interpretation boards provide visitors with a greater understanding of the buildings, landscape and life at the castle in medieval times.

Wakefield council’s service director for culture, Lisa Dodd, said: “The age of the building and two very cold winters have caused stonework to crumble away and urgent work was needed to stop the deterioration and protect the fabric of the castle.”

Dr Janet McNaught, of the Friends of Pontefract Castle, said: “The Friends are pleased to see the notice boards are in place and that they are written so that everyone can understand them, not just those with an in depth knowledge of the site.”

Phase two, with £50,000 funding from the not-for-profit company Wren, will soon see work on the Gascoigne Tower, with specialist stonemasons ensuring the tower retains an authentic medieval appearance.