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Tonbridge Castle

Renovation information
On August 30th 1999, The Gatehouse at Tonbridge Castle closed to visitors, and work on a £375,000 millennium project began.
The missing floors on the ground floor and first floor levels have been replaced, and the spiral staircase in the East Tower repaired.

This enables a circular tour of the Gatehouse to be possible. 

In replacing the floors, two additional rooms have been created. 

An educational room mainly for school and group use, provision for an exhibition space for local community use, and a second venue for Civil Marriage ceremonies has been provided.

Architect Stuart Page ensured the work was of a high quality and in keeping with the fabric of the medieval gatehouse.

 


Newly discovered historical evidence has enabled all interpretation to be brought up to date. 

Information panels and the audio tour have been upgraded.

 
A special close circuit television system has been situated on the ground floor and allow people with disabilities to explore the interior of the floors above and below for the first time.

Audio tours of the motte & bailey are available from the Tourist Information Centre.

In September 2000, the Gatehouse reopened in celebration of the Millennium. A Victorian Birthday Party commemorated 100 years of the castle being in local authority ownership and the Heritage Festival was celebrated Borough wide.  At the same time, a Time Capsule containing personal thoughts and mementos of 100 people from the Tonbridge area was buried in the castle walls, ready to be opened, perhaps in 100 years time.

Enquiries to:
Julie Beilby  Tourism & Promotions Officer 01732 876346
Tourism & Customer Services Officer 01732 876333
Tourist Information Centre, Tonbridge Castle 01732 770929

Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund

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