News

Castle gears up for third year of open days - with a replica ship and exhibition of Discovery

In just a short time, Westenhanger Castle will once again open its doors to the general public marking the third such annual open days.

This will be the general public's only chance during 2009 to see the ongoing conservation work at the castle, as, due to this work, there will be no open weekend this year. This will enable the castle conservators to continue with their remarkable work to the first medieval barn just outside the castle walls and replica Tudor kitchens. It is anticipated the medieval barn, built by Thomas 'Customer' Smythe in the 1580s, will be open during the summer season.

Also joining the programme is a fascinating exhibition of 'Discovery', one of three ships to embark on a five month voyage in December 1606 bound for Virginia, USA, disembarking 106 settlers on the banks of the Chesapeake River in May 1607, forming the first permanent English settlement in America. Westenhanger Castle also now has been granted a replica of 'Discovery' which will form the centrepiece of this exhibition.

The castle will be open from 10am to 5pm, beginning on Tuesday 14 April, and every following Tuesday until Tuesday 8 September. Lunches and light refreshments will be available on each day (until 4pm), and there will also be an exhibition of the previous conservation work that has taken place.

For more information, please telephone 07984 132 962, or look out for our leaflets and in the local press for more details.