Tamworth Borough Council is pleased to share that items from the castle archive are set for new homes and public display in the local community. 

Tamworth Castle has operated as a museum since 1899 and has amassed a heritage collection of over 42,000 objects and archive items.

As with all museums, not everything can be displayed. Some objects are too fragile or sensitive to light to be placed on permanent exhibition, while others are held in secure storage because museums simply do not have the space to show every item at once.

Over the past 127 years, items have been acquired through donations, company closures, auction purchases and archive deposits. 

As part of a nationally approved rationalisation process, the castle is now transferring selected items to venues where they can be more accessible and meaningful to the community.

In partnership with St Editha’s Church, three large paintings depicting the church’s stained-glass windows have been permanently transferred to the church. Painted by Mr A G McManus and commissioned in 1967 by Tamworth resident Mr P Findley, the artworks commemorate the men of Tamworth parish who lost their lives in the first and second world wars, along with Rev. Captain Maurice Berkley Peel, Vicar of St Editha’s in 1916. The paintings have never previously been publicly displayed and can now be viewed in the setting they represent, alongside the framed Rolls of Honour.

Tamworth Tap is also now home to the historic Morgan’s Brewery mirror, previously on loan from the castle and now permanently transferred. Crafted by Forrest & Son of Glasgow, the mirror originates from the former Morgan’s Brewery site on Ladybank. Two traditional wooden settles (benches), including one from the former Star Inn in Lower Gungate, have also been relocated to the popular town centre venue. Two fire buckets from Tolson’s Mill will be displayed in the pub yard during the summer months.

In addition, some documents and archive materials with no direct relevance to Tamworth are being transferred to appropriate record offices in Leicestershire, Warwickshire, Stratford and Norfolk. Bound copies of the Tamworth Herald will also be transferred to Tamworth Library to fill gaps in its archive collection, supporting local research.

As part of School Archives Day on Thursday 12 March, Tamworth Castle will also be shining a spotlight on the QEMS archives held within its collection. The castle cares for significant records relating to the school’s history, as well as a portrait of one of its former masters. By taking part in the national initiative, the castle will highlight the importance of preserving school records and the role they play in telling the story of generations of local pupils and educators.

Stephen Gabriel, Chief Executive for Tamworth Borough Council, said: "Tamworth Castle has been a museum preserving our town’s history for well over a century, and caring for around 42,000 items is both a privilege and a significant responsibility.

“While not everything can be displayed, we are committed to managing our collections ethically, professionally and in line with national standards.

“By transferring selected items to local venues and appropriate archive services, we are improving access to our heritage and making sure these important pieces can be seen, accessed and appreciated by current and future generations.”

This work reflects similar activity taking place in museums across the country, as organisations review and refine their collections to make sure they remain accessible, well managed and relevant to the communities they serve. Castle collections can also be viewed online at collection.tamworthcastle.co.uk.