THE entrance to Barnard Castle’s 12th century fortress has been given a face-lift with the installation of new, custom-built oak doors to the north gate.
The north gate to the scheduled monument was only a subsidiary gate in the middle ages, but is the main entrance for modern day visitors and staff to the castle.
The new hand-crafted oak gates, complete with iron bolts reinstates a useful “wicket gate”, a small doorway within the gate to allow pedestrian access.
A spokesperson for English Heritage said: “The wicket gate is similar to the one seen in 18th century engravings and allows the site team to get in and out easily – opening up the main gates to welcome in visitors during opening hours.”
The gates being removed from site are a mixture of 19th and 20th century. The lower sections added after archaeological excavations in the sixties removed built-up soil from the entrance.
English Heritage received support from Historic England, Raby Estates and Durham County Council for the work.
