Appleby Castle’s historic Norman keep is to open to visitors, having been closed for nearly two decades.
It is hoped the opening of the keep in July will bring a flock of new tourists to the town in a huge boost to the local economy.
Appleby mayor Gareth Hayes has branded the move beyond his wildest dreams.
A team of local tradesmen, led by stonemason Colin Sowerby, has been working to improve the interior of the keep to allow visitor access.
Sir Martin Holdgate has been acting as historical advisor and contributed text for display boards with film producers who have stayed at the castle creating displays and an interactive audio experience.
Castle owner Sally Nightingale said: “In its heyday the castle attracted over 40,000 visitors.
“I hope that Appleby will reach beyond this number, by opening one of the few intact Norman keeps left in the United Kingdom.
“I believe the keep is the key to tourism in the area and that Appleby Castle is the gateway to the Eden Valley.
“I have been working closely with the town and am grateful for the support and encouragement of the mayor Gareth Hayes, town clerk Karen Lowthrop and Appleby tourist information centre manager Nicola Elliott.
“I believe this is a nostalgic moment for the town as a generation of local people will have never seen inside the keep.
“My hope is that as we recover from the pandemic, we can increase tourism to the area, stimulating the economy and helping local businesses to thrive once again.
“The future looks bright. At the end of the day I am only a custodian and a key holder of this relic from Medieval England.
“Each custodian has a window to make a difference, passing through time.”
Throughout its history the keep was once used as the county jail of Westmorland and was restored by Lady Anne Clifford after being left roofless in the 14th century.
The keep will open as a Norman centre; an interactive experience of the Normans intertwined with the history of the castle.
There are history boards of important Norman characters, time lines about the castle, the Domesday Book and Bayeaux Tapestry display, as well as displays encompassing Norman heritage. Visitors will once again be able to walk on the roof top.
Mr Hayes added: “Although our toolbox for recovery is taking shape we never imagined in our wildest dreams that our castle would be part of it.
“Yet, here it is, coming soon. It’s a brilliant reward for the town and visitors for their tolerance and patience over the last year.
“Our town, our castle, simply brilliant.”
