Castle’s Maritime Museum to be closed for work in 2019
CASTLE CORNET’S Maritime Museum will be closed next year while essential work is carried out on the roof of the former married quarters.
Deterioration of fibre cement slates covering the roof means that they are no longer serviceable and water is getting into the building during bad weather due to its exposed position.
‘This has started to affect some of the museum exhibits and over time could threaten the fabric and use of the building,’ said historic sites curator Helen Glencross.
‘Replacing the roof covering and adding new roof insulation will improve the environment of the museum and the energy efficiency of the building.’
Items from the museum will be removed and made safe ahead of the work.
Work was carried out on the building over the winter of 2015/16, mainly to deal with damp in the walls.
Head of heritage services Dr Jason Monaghan said that once the work is completed it will be too late in the season for staff to reinstate the Maritime Museum.
‘We are currently considering proposals to refresh and upgrade the visitor offering at the castle,’ he said. ‘I’d urge fans of the museum to go and see it before the end of this season.’
Four of the castle’s museums will be open normally all year, as will the refectory, although the Hatton Gallery will not be available for events during the spring.
n Castle Cornet is open 10am-5pm until 4 November. Normal admission applies but Discovery Pass holders and accompanying children are admitted free.
