As revealed earlier this summer, Chester Castle will be reopening to the public after years of the gates being locked and limited access only available via a paid tour. The result of work by Chris Matheson MP and a coalition of local businesses and interested parties including the Crown Estates, English Heritage and local councillors, restored access to the site will hopefully allow the development of an improved tourist attraction. Now the council have appealed for volunteers to help with the project over the summer.
Founded in 1070 by William the Conqueror, ,the site served as an important administrative centre and military headquarters throughout history. After years of neglect the Castle will be open free of charge, to visitors from the 20 July until the 3rd September . Access will also be available to the ground and first floor of the 12th century Agricola Tower which will house a new pop up exhibition telling the fascinating story of the Castle which can be traced back to 907 AD
Cllr Louise Gittins, Cabinet Member for Communities and Wellbeing said: “Volunteers make an invaluable contribution to enhancing visitor experiences across all our museum sites in West Cheshire and we greatly appreciate their hard work and dedication. We are delighted to be opening up a new volunteering opportunity at Chester Castle this summer. We will be providing an opportunity for visitors to look around this historic site that has only been accessible for tour groups and closed to the public for many years.
“We are looking to recruit volunteers who will be able to enhance the experience of visitors during this period. Volunteers will have the opportunity to support in a whole range of areas, including welcoming and guiding visitors, helping them to engage with the site and its place in Chester’s history, assisting with pop up activities and an exciting programme of weekend events, also gathering visitor feedback.”
Potential volunteers with an interest and enthusiasm in heritage and history can apply at
http://grosvenormuseum.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk/support-us/volunteering/
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The Chester blog 