From the BBC Website, 3rd December 2004

Planners approve castle roof plan

The Tudor Hall at Jersey's Gorey Castle will be built with a roof after planners approved the latest development proposals.
The Heritage Trust has welcomed the decision as a major milestone in the conservation strategy for the castle.
Plans for a roof and floors were approved in principle last year.
The planning authorities have now given the go-ahead to the plans which the Heritage Trust says will protect the fabric of the building.
Because the walls have been roofless, and therefore wet for many years, there had been concern that if the walls are roofed the stone could become too dry and draw up water from the ground.
The hall will now become a room with a wooden floor and ceiling and four contemporary windows and there will be exposed granite on the walls.

From the BBC Website, 22nd November 2005

Castle's scaffolding is defended

The head of the Jersey Heritage Trust has defended the use of scaffolding to carry out restoration work at a castle.

The scaffolding has been erected around the outside of Mont Orgueil Castle.
Trust boss Jon Carter admits that some visitors may be put off by the scaffolding, which is there for the restoration project on the Tudor Hall.

But he insisted the work, which is due to finish in April, was essential for the landmark's future. The trust is working on a £3m improvement programme.

From the BBC Website, 15th March 2006

Ancient cesspit found in castle

An ancient cesspit has been discovered during restoration work at Mont Orgueil Castle in Jersey. The archaeological discovery is believed to have been built sometime between the 13th and 15th Century.

Glass, clay pipes, tableware and bottles found in the pit are being cleaned before being put on display for members of the public at La Hougue Bie. The castle is currently undergoing a £3m improvement programmed by the Jersey Heritage Trust.

Sweet wrappers

The cesspit, which is said to be in very good condition, has two chambers and an exit drain through a curtain wall. It was discovered at the new location for the main castle's toilets, which will now be redesigned to incorporate a glass-floored corridor. This will allow the remains of the structure to be viewed by the public.

Sweet wrappers were also found in the cesspit, indicating it was filled in some time between the 1960s and 1970s. Olga Finch, the curator of archaeology, said it was an important find which had not been previously recorded.

You would have thought that if it had been filled in so recently that it would have been known and recorded before now.

Possibly - but maybe someone's been sitting on the information

From the BBC Website, 2nd April 2006

Castle opens after six-year wait

Gorey Castle has been reopened to the public after the completion of a £4.6m restoration project. The Lieutenant Governor Air Chief Marshal Sir John Cheshire presided over the opening ceremonies at the castle on Sunday afternoon.

It has taken more than six years to restore the 13th century building. Building parts and large art exhibits had to be airlifted in by helicopter. The restoration work has included a new roof for the castle's Tudor Hall.

Architect John Williams said it was one of the most rewarding projects he has worked on.

"The thing I have learnt about the most is how difficult it must have been in the days when there were no helicopters, no cranes. It was all done by hand. We have had a lot of help from the RAF."

The reopening is the highlight of a three-week festival organised by Jersey Tourism featuring open gardens and special walks.

Congratulations to all concerned, nice to see a plan come together.

Two old postcards of Mont Orgeuil Castle, recently purchased.