Caring for the castle

Thursday 21 July 2016

One of Jersey’s most iconic historical sites could be getting a major makeover.

A steering group is looking at how best to “develop” Elizabeth Castle.

Its sister attraction – Gorey Castle – underwent a massive multi-million pound restoration and upgrade a number of years ago – and a group of politicians, tourism officials, and heritage experts are investigating ways of doing something similar at Elizabeth Castle.

In it’s heyday the castle used to attract around 100,000 visitors a year. Last year that was down to 50,000. In part that’s because of a drop in the number of people coming on holiday to the Island, but it’s also felt it’s because the attraction has become tired.

Deputy Murray Norton – the States member with special responsibility for cultural issues - says “there’s great potential. It’s a massive site. There are 35 buildings, nine of which have been not open to the public for 79 years. It’s a shame. They need work done on them. They’d make great exhibition spaces. We are keen to tell more of the castle’s history”.

It’s a view shared by Keith Beecham the Chief Executive Officer of Visit Jersey: “heritage is a very important part of the experience that visitors look for. At the castle there’s the opportunity to really bring history alive to a wider audience.”

According to Mr Beecham Elizabeth Castle is an ideal location to tell the Island’s rich history – from the proclamation of King Charles II, to Sir Walter Raleigh’s involvement, and the Occupation.

He’s keen to see more “living history”. This is where actors in period costumes engage with visitors. The castle currently has a surgeon-general. He explains about the equipment and methods used by doctors in the past.

Deputy Norton also believes there are ways the castle can “pay for itself”, but that will mean spending money on upgrading facilities. At the moment self-catering is very limited, but there’s room to provide more. Toilets for visitors also need to be upgraded. The old café is vacant.

The steering group now want to draw up a strategy plan outlining what could be achieved over the next decade, how much it might cost, and how they could go about it.