Clitheroe Castle Keep Closed to Public Until Early Next Year
Clitheroe Castle Keep is closed to the public in preparation for the start of a £300,000 repointing project.
Independent heritage experts have advised that the keep be closed to the public until the start of the works early next year.
As such, there is now no access to the keep, or the castle’s curtain wall and flagpole, which are accessed via it.
Adam Allen, Ribble Valley Borough Council’s director of community services, said: “Clitheroe Castle is the jewel in the borough’s crown and we have contracted heritage specialists to work with us to preserve the keep and ensure its long-term use and safety.
“It is unfortunately necessary to close the site while they undertake their surveys and complete their works.
“We realise that the closure of the keep and curtain wall will cause inconvenience to residents and visitors, and we would like to thank them for their understanding.”
Clitheroe Castle has dominated the Ribble Valley skyline since its construction in the 12th Century by Robert de Lacy to protect the administrative centre of his vast estates.
In 1920, Clitheroe Castle was purchased by public subscription as a memorial to those who had fallen and served in the First World War.
The site is now owned and managed by Ribble Valley Borough Council.
Clitheroe Castle’s popular museum and Steward’s Gallery will remain open throughout the closure period.