A gift to the gods...and a godsend for museum

Bronze Age sword takes centre stage in £250,000 revamp

A Bronze Age sword, possibly cast away 3,000 years ago as a tribute to the Gods, has been returned to its Yorkshire home.

The ancient blade is the centrepiece of an exciting new exhibition at Scarborough Castle following a £250,000 investment by English Heritage to transform the 12th century fortress into a world class tourist attraction.

Many other artefacts are also being displayed for the first time in the newly-refurbished Master Gunner's House – itself a unique survivor of the post medieval period. The mass development has also included the launch of new interpretation panels, tea room and an interactive display for less mobile folk.

The blade was originally discovered in 1980 by archaeologist Tony Pacitto, who stumbled across the find on the final day of a dig to investigate a medieval hall at the castle.

Ritual

The subdued glint of bronze in a muddy pit turned a routine shift into the find of a lifetime. Although no one can be certain, experts believe the blade may have been a ritual offering. This theory is backed by similar discoveries elsewhere in the country. Cast as a single piece of metal, it would have been a highly-prized possession. Ever since it has been kept under lock and key at the British Museum. But now it has finally been returned to its origins.

Nicola Bexon, English Heritage Marketing manager, said: "Getting the sword back on home turf is a fantastic coup and we are confident it will be a massive attraction. We're grateful to the British Museum for allowing it to return on loan. The relic is a powerful reminder that the headland's history goes back much further than the present Norman castle suggests. Our aim is to tell this story and make a visit both more fascinating and accessible.

"This investment underlines our commitment to ensuring Scarborough remains a premier tourist destination."

The Master Gunner's House probably dates to the late 17th century. Before being converted into the chief gunner's residence in 1740, it was used to store gunpowder. The castle's prominent position ensured its batteries were manned well into the 18th century.

However, this did not prevent the American privateer and founder of the US Navy, John Paul Jones, sinking two navy ships in the bay below in 1779.

Around the castle new panels have been erected tracing a 3,000 year timeline. Costumed characters are depicted, each with an artefact displayed in the gunner's house. These include a soldier with part of a German shell which landed on the town in the 1914 bombardment.

Other relics include a jet cross, Roman pottery vessels and a bearded face which once adorned a 13th century Scarborough-ware jug. Scarborough Museums and Art Gallery has kindly loaned some of the artefacts.

A few modern postcards and a plan of the castle, all courtesy of the National Trust, of which I am a member.

I took a couple of photos too, and hope to get these uploaded within the next few days.

Bungay castle closed for wall repairs

Bungay Castle has been closed to the public due to safety concerns. A bulge has been spotted in the wall of one of the gate towers, and the public will not have access to the ancient castle until repair work can be carried out. Builders were brought in this week and put up scaffolding to inspect the problem, before recommending closure for safety reasons. Security fencing has been placed around the tower as a precaution.

Mike Revell, who runs the adjoining castle visitor centre and coffee shop, said the bulge was where repair work had been done some years ago.

He said: "For the time being the castle is closed, though the visitor centre and coffee shop remains open as normal." He said the castle was normally quiet at this time of year, but he was hoping the repair work could be completed by Easter.

The castle, originally built by Hugh Bigod in the 12th century, is managed by the Bungay Castle Trust on behalf of the town. It was given to the town by the Duke of Norfolk 20 years ago. It was damaged by the King's army after Bigod and other wealthy barons rebelled against him, and was rebuilt in 1294 by Roger Bigod.

The twin gate towers and the thick walls of the castle keep are all that remain today.

... and an excerpt from it showing the castle close up.

Live like a king!

Stunning three-bed house up for rent in 12th century castle grounds... for just £850 a Month

The Great Hall of Framlingham Castle is on the market for £850 per month

Searching for the perfect property to rent is a tricky balancing act.

When you find somewhere to suit your budget it's generally too small, perhaps it's in the wrong location or maybe you're beaten to the punch by more eager home-seekers.

So it is rare that you stumble across a place that, while a little older than you had previously considered, is perfectly situated in rolling English fields and a steal at twice the price.

The only catch is that you have to share it with a few thousand sightseers every day before 6pm.

English Heritage is searching for tenants for what was once The Great Hall of Framlingham Castle, the Suffolk residence of several English Kings and Queens.

The Red House is on the market for just £850 per month.

A two-bedroom flat in London's Mayfair will cost you the same amount per week.

But the availability of the key to The Red House is an incredible opportunity to live inside a piece of genuine English history.

Framlingham Castle was built by Roger Bigod, the 1st Earl of Norfolk, between 1117 and 1200, to replace his father's timber fort which Henry II destroyed.

The Red House was converted from The Great Hall into a poorhouse in 1729.

It is now a large three bedroom house with exposed beams, fireplaces, leaded windows and a modern interior.

Hayden Foster from Clark and Simpson estate agents said that once sightseers have left for the day tenants will have the run of the castle's vast grounds.

'We have not handled a property like this before,' he said.

'We often use the word unique to describe a property but this one genuinely is.

'It is the only house within the castle and the castle is famous within Suffolk and beyond.

'It's truly stunning, the view of the castle as you drive into the courtyard are absolutely iconic.

'The Red House itself has just been redecorated and has a new kitchen so you get modern living within an old world setting.

'It is built into the western wall along the length of a magnificent curtain wall that looks today almost as it would have 800 years ago.'

Steve Box, operations manager for English Heritage, said that it would be a 'fantastic' opportunity.

He said: 'Even in the summer, when the visitors go at 6pm and the staff have tidied up, you will have the place to yourself.

'It will be a fantastic experience for whoever is lucky enough to get it.'

Framlingham Castle has a rich history as a result of many different ownerships and has during its life been a fortress, a prison, a poor house and a school.

The castle never had a keep, instead its defensive strength lay in its impressive series of 13 towers with Tudor chimneys.

It continued in the family of the Earls of Norfolk, till Roger Bigod, fifth Earl of Norfolk, died without issue and his estate was compelled to resign it to Edward I.

Edward VI, granted it to his sister, Mary Tudor, who whiled away the hours until she heard she would made Queen in 1553.

Mary's successor, Queen Elizabeth, used the castle as a prison for priests who defied the new Church of England.

During the 17th century the castle was bequeathed to Pembroke College with the condition that a poor house be constructed.

However, I did recently purchase this to add to my collection -  this being the first of this castle in my collection, so I'm very much chuffed.

A steel engraving by J. Greig from the drawing of Saltwood Castle, Kent, by W.A. Sherlock.

Published in London in the Beauties of England & Wales, 1803.

A steel engraving by H. Adland from the drawing of Saltwood Castle, Kent, by Geo. Shepherd.

Published in London Geo. Virtue, 1838.