Colchester Museums is set to receive a significant boost with a £1,293,625 award from the Museums Estate and Development Fund (MEND). This funding, provided by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and Arts Council England, will be used to refurbish the historic building's roof and repair stonework on the Castle's northwest tower.
Colchester City Council has also allocated significant match funding to support this project. The Castle, which was first built nearly 1,000 years ago, requires ongoing maintenance and repairs to ensure the safety of the building and its important collections for everyone to enjoy.
Colchester Museums have worked closely with Historic England to find a solution that addresses long-standing issues of damp while being sensitive to the Castle's historic fabric. The repairs will not only improve the Castle for visitors and collections but also make it more environmentally sustainable and protect the historic building for the future.
Works are scheduled to begin in the summer of 2025. While visitors will see scaffolding on the building, the museum is not anticipating any closure during the works. The Norman Castle, a Grade I listed, Scheduled Ancient Monument, boasts the largest Keep of its kind in Europe, built on the foundations of a Roman Temple. Last year, the award-winning museum welcomed over 83,000 visitors, including nearly 20,000 school children.
Councillor Natalie Sommers, Portfolio Holder for Communities, Heritage, and Public Protection, said: “We are incredibly grateful to DCMS and Arts Council England for their generous funding, which will enable us to carry out these essential repairs. Colchester Castle is a vital part of our heritage, and these works will ensure that it remains a cherished landmark for future generations. The exceptional craftsmanship involved in this project will preserve the Castle's historic character while making it more sustainable and accessible for all.”
Page last reviewed: 20 February 2025