It’s been a big seven days for museums and culture in the UK. As well as the announced grand reopening of Bradford’s National Science and Media Museum, and a mysterious 360-year-old ‘star atlas’ is going on display in the UK for the first time, there’s another exciting new attraction opening for history buffs.
A tower built for King Henry I at Corfe Castle in Dorset has opened to the public for the first time since the English Civil War in 1646. The structure built by William the Conquerer in the 11th century was partially destroyed during the war. Originally, the King’s Tower was 23 metres tall, standing on top of a 55-metre-high hill, meaning it could be seen from miles around.
When used by King Henry I the tower was home to to his ‘luxurious personal quarters’, as well as one of the first ensuite bathrooms and a rare ‘appearance door’ designed for the king to be seen by his public much like the balcony at Buckingham Palace is used today.
Now, a National Trust conservation project at the castle has built a new viewing platform where visitors will be able to access the former royal living quarters for the first time, and get up close to the ‘appearance door’. According to the National Trust, the tower will also offer unrivalled views of the Purbeck countryside.
In 2023, a three-year £2 million conservation project began at Corfe Castle to protect the ancient building from climate change. Here’s a sneak peek of what the tower looks like.
Tours of the King’s Tower will take place from Monday, December 2 and can be booked online. Tours last 90 minutes and cost £15.
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