English Heritage has started work on a £1.2 million project at Framlingham Castle.

During the first phase of the project, an original mezzanine level will be reinstated in the castle's Poorhouse. This will house new interpretation, replacing the current exhibition on the first floor.

A new 40 seat café will be added to the site and while the works are taking place a 7.5 metre slide will be installed from the wall walk into the castle's inner court for visitors to enjoy. The work is due to be completed in June 2017.

Elsewhere on site, important conservation works will also take place, concentrating on some of the castle's walls.

PHASE 2 - FUTURE PLANS

English Heritage is planning to fundraise for the second phase of the project which would see a 360° wall walk created, with a lift installed to give access for disabled visitors and families with buggies, so everyone can enjoy the incredible views from the castle walls.

Steve Bax, Historic Properties Director for English Heritage in the London & East region, said:

"The site has a fascinating history and creating a new interpretation and exhibition space will enable visitors to uncover the castle's many stories including how, behind its walls, Mary Tudor was proclaimed Queen of England."

Framlingham Castle will be open over the festive period from Tuesday 27 to Saturday 31 December at 10am until 4pm. Throughout the rest of the project the site will be open at weekends and is due to re-open fully in summer 2017. Visitors will still be able to access the wall walk while the works are on-going, and enjoy the slide once it's installed - however the Poorhouse will be closed due to the building works taking place.

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