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Astley Castle
Nuneaton, Warwickshire
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Astley Castle Activities
Schools' Project
Thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery 160 children from four local schools have visited Astley Castle during its restoration and have participated in a cross-curricular project.
Between the months of July and October 2010 the children visited the site and witnessed and recorded the restoration work at different stages. Children watched craftsmen at work and chatted to some of the builders. Some groups visited when the archaeologists were in residence and were able to handle objects found during their excavations.
All the children had a unique opportunity to see the building as it evolves from its stricken and ruined state to incorporate new environmentally and historically sensitive accommodation within.
The children also enjoyed privileged access to the Church of St Mary the Virgin whilst work to preserve the early 17th century wall paintings was underway. Fine weather allowed the groups to explore the extensive grounds, including the viewing mound and the medieval fish ponds.
The site visit was followed by 2 days of activities back in the classroom. Drawings made on site were turned into beautiful watercolour impressions, whilst children also shared their ideas for an interpretation trail to guide visitors around the grounds.
Artists In Residence
A number of different artists and groups have been allowed to access the site and record their own personal impressions. The Astley Art Club worked with local artist and tutor Joe Rice during the consolidation and repair stage and their results were exhibited at Bedworth Arts Centre in April 2010.
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Community Exhibitions and Talks
In August 2010 an exhibition at Hinckley Library featured work created by local schools with artist Gary Bedford. Gary worked with the schools over a week long project and explored the links between Astley Castle and the wider area, in particular the War of the Roses and Lady Jane Grey.
Further artwork was created with the Landmark Trust’s Education Officer for another exhibition at Nuneaton Musuem and Gallery. This work explored links with local writer George Eliot. Further work will be created which will combine with that already finished to create a series of panels that document the history of the castle.
Open Days
The site has been open to the public occasionally to coincide with the Astley Village fete and the May Day Art Exhibition. Once the project is completed there will be a regular programme of open days and activities.
Volunteers
Much of the work to clear self sown trees, restore pathways and create new footpaths has been done by BTCV volunteers. They have worked tirelessly in all weathers and have contributed much to the overall and ongoing maintenance of the natural habitats around the castle.
In May 2010 a competition to design a new knot garden was launched. A design by Kate Heppell was chosen from over 100 entries and work began in the autumn to clear the existing old and tired hedges, and level the ground ready for the new design. A map dating back to 1690’s reveals evidence of formal gardens on the moated site, although it is likely that a feature in the knot garden style would have been in existence since the Tudor times.
The new garden will be created in two phases. The first phase of planting is now complete. The paths will be laid out in late summer, with planting of herbaceous perennials and other shrubs following on in the autumn/winter.
Astley Castle knot garden design unveiled
29 October 2010
The winner of the competition to design a new knot garden for Astley Garden is Kate Heppell from Chorleywood, Herts. She will now work closely with us to see her design realised.
The judges unanimously chose Kate's design from over 100 entries as it "stood out as a contemporary design yet one that is highly symbolic of both the past and the future. The views both towards and away from the castle have been carefully considered. It offers a range of both practical and interesting spaces and a variety of textures and scents. Kate has also offered an additional solution to meet the needs of wheelchair users”.
Congratulations to Kate and all the winners and highly commended entries in each category, all of which can be viewed below.
If you do not have Adobe Acrobat you can download it free by clicking get Adobe Acrobat below.
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