TVLP’s Time Travel event at Newark Castle on 31 July was a great success with around 3,000 people coming along. Organised by Nottinghamshire County Council’s Community Archaeology team, the castle grounds were buzzing with battle re-enactments, Saxon craftsmen, a medieval armoury, historical storyteller and an executioner (with his collection of cruel implements)!
Rarely open to the public, the castle doors were also flung open for visitors to explore the castle roof, dark store rooms and cramped, dingy dungeons.
Overwhelming numbers of people came along to explore the history, enjoy the food and watch the displays. ‘I learned plenty of new and interesting facts as my daughter went off in search of princesses’ and ‘interesting and informative, the day showed just what a gem Newark castle really is’ were views from two visitors who posted letters to the Newark Advertiser (6 Aug 2010).
Christopher Pennell, Chair of the Board of Trustees at HLF, used the event to make a speech about the Trent Vale Landscape Partnership programme. In particular, the HLF’s recognition that Trent Vale is a unique, important and special area for its heritage, wildlife and industry, and its desire to support rural communities.
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