Displays of Norman and Saxon artefacts will go on show in new galleries thanks to a £79,000 grant paving the way to the redevelopment of Colchester Castle

The Wolfson Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund has awarded £79,200 to Colchester Castle for galleries which will be completed by next July

It will be used for a new Norman and Saxon gallery and will include a re-creation of a Norman Tower and a chance to show some of the items currently kept in store.

The funding will also provide a new exhibition space that will offer visitors a changing programme of displays, attracting nationally renowned collections.

The cash means the castle can offer a new venue for touring exhibitions of national significance with a strictly controlled environment to preserve the artefacts.

Museum staff are negotating for an important display of items to visit.

Marie Taylor, of Colchester Museums, said: "Visitors have told us they would like to learn more about the Norman building and Norman and Saxon collections as well as wanting to see major temporary exhibitions."

Councillor Kevin Bentley, portfolio holder for business, tourism and leisure, said: "This is very exciting news. It is a just reward for the council's continuing investment and the widespread community support for our heritage that we are all so proud of."

Published Wednesday August 4, 2004

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