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With over 900 years of history a tour of Tamworth Castle is a
journey through time. Visitors are invited to explore 15 rooms,
each offering an insight into the changes in the Castle's fortunes
and those of its inhabitants, over the centuries.
On entering the Castle you pass straight into the Courtyard, and
are met with a jumble of building styles that give a visual
timeline of how the Castle has been remodelled and developed over
time.
Exit the Courtyard into the first room and discover the Norman
Exhibition. Pay attention to your host, Robert Marmion, as he
welcomes you as guests, and then have a go at some of the hands on
activities, including trying on the medieval armour.
Wind up the Tudor staircase and step into the Dining Room. You can
take a seat at the dining table or handle some of the replica items
on display to get an idea of what it would be like to feast with
the Lord and Lady. Walk into the Ante Chamber to see where the food
would be prepared before being brought to the table, and savour the
aromatic smells of the many herbs and spices in here.
Adjacent to the Dining Room is the Day Parlour. Filled with period
furniture it has been set out to represent a private living room,
where special guests would gather before dinner to relax, and
socialise or play cards. It is believed that King James I stayed in
this room during his three visits to the Castle.
Continue upstairs to the Tamworth Story and discover more about the
town of Tamworth, its development, industries and inhabitants. Sit
in the stocks, find the Tamworth Sandy-Back pigs, and keep on the
right side of the law by finding out about Sir Robert Peel, and his
first policemen.
Take a chilling walk past the haunted stairs, into the Ladies
Chamber and through to the Servant's Bedroom, trying to avoid our
resident ghosts. This part of the building is where most visitors
say they feel the presence of spirits - come and experience it for
yourself.
Venture outside onto the parapet and cross the ancient Castle
walls, taking in the extensive views of the grounds below. Once on
the other side continue inside to the last of the rooms, that take
you through Victorian times and relives the story of the Cooke
family - the last residents of the Castle. This includes the
families Nursery, Bedroom, Bathroom, Parlour and Drawing
Room.
Returning to the ground floor, the tour of Tamworth Castle finishes
with the grandest room of all - the Great Hall. This Medieval room
has plenty of information on its history and construction as well
as an interesting displays of weapons and armour. Within the hall
is a touch screen information point that offers a virtual tour of
all the rooms and a database of photographs to view on the town and
surrounding area. For those who cannot access the whole building it
is an enjoyable and invaluable source of information on the
Castle.
Finish off your tour by enjoying a drink in our small café and
browsing through the gifts available in our shop.
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