Work due to start on Ivanhoe castle centre

English Heritage has revealed its plans for “If Walls Could Talk: Stories from Conisbrough Castle”, the planned new visitor centre which is due to open in April 2014.

The project will tell stories from the castle’s past and focus in particular on the castle at the end of the 12th century, when the powerful Hamelin and Isabel built its unique castle keep.

Thanks to a £900,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £100,000 from Doncaster Council and English Heritage each, work is due to start in September when the castle will close to the public before being reopened next year.

A spokesman for English Heritage said yesterday: “Visitors to the new exhibition will be able to learn about Conisbrough Castle’s history, its unique architectural style and how the castle’s residents lived, worked and played within its walls.

“On each of the three floors of the keep, visitors will be able to encounter the larger-than-life characters that inhabited the building as animations will be projected on to the walls.

“The exhibition will also include a model and film, while visitors to the keep will also see some furnishings similar to that Hamelin and Isabel would have enjoyed.”

Clea Warner, area manager for Yorkshire at English Heritage, added “Conisbrough is a fascinating place full of history and vivid characters.

“We want the new exhibition and visitor centre to bring the castle’s story to life, where the walls literally talk to you, and show the connection to the town and its people.

“We’re encouraging local people to be as involved as possible in the project and we’ll have lots of opportunities for volunteering.”