Weoley good future for Castle
A £1.14 million revamp of the ruins of Weoley Castle has taken the medieval ruins, which stand at the heart of the 1930s housing estate of the same name, off English Heritage's list of the country's ten most 'at risk' historic buildings, Weoley Castle ruins given £1.14 million revamp.
The ruins, the remains of the moated medieval manor house that stood at the site, are over 700 years old and the drawbridge, foundations and the moat, drained 80 years ago, can be easily seen. The site has been inhabited from the 12th century and was recorded as part of the estates of William Fitz Ansculf in the Domesday Book.
The revamp has opened the site to more visitors and protected the ruins which sit in the 1930s housing estate and which have been wrapped in a steel fence and shrouded by trees and hedges for over a decade.
The the site is a scheduled Ancient Monument of national importance, which means it is legally protected from future development or damage and the revamp and restoration ensures it will be preserved and enjoyed by future generations as an important part of Birmingham's history.
Ordnance Survey map of the area from 1883 showing the ruins
Image reproduced from http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/weoleycastle
The ruins, the remains of the moated medieval manor house that stood at the site, are over 700 years old and the drawbridge, foundations and the moat, drained 80 years ago, can be easily seen. The site has been inhabited from the 12th century and was recorded as part of the estates of William Fitz Ansculf in the Domesday Book.
The revamp has opened the site to more visitors and protected the ruins which sit in the 1930s housing estate and which have been wrapped in a steel fence and shrouded by trees and hedges for over a decade.
new education and community centre boasts a classroom, toilets and kitchen and there is a viewing area so passers-by can gaze over the site, even when closed. A team of local volunteers, known as Castle Keepers, has also been set up to offer guided tours and host events. There will also be further archeological study of the site. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2010/10/20/weoley-castle-ruins-given-1-14-million-revamp-97319-27507975/
The the site is a scheduled Ancient Monument of national importance, which means it is legally protected from future development or damage and the revamp and restoration ensures it will be preserved and enjoyed by future generations as an important part of Birmingham's history.
Ordnance Survey map of the area from 1883 showing the ruins
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