This campaign has now closed
The 12th century Keep at Farnham Castle is one of the most important historic sites in S England. The project will increase the number of days the Keep is open to the public from approx 40 to at least 300 and the £2.90 entry charge will be removed.
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English Heritage, who have managed the Keep at Farnham Castle under Guardianship since 1957 have been forced, for financial reasons, to steadily reduce the number of days the Keep is open to the public from over 300 days 10 years ago down to 40 in 2007. This is a tragedy for the town of Farnham. In the Lonely Planet Guide to England and The Rough Guide to England, the lead entry under Farnham, is The Keep at Farnham Castle - but. Farnham's major tourist attraction is closed for 320 days a year Following discussions with English Heritage over the last 18 months, it has been agreed that Farnham Castle (the charity) will, subject to the success of funding applications, combine responsibility for the opening, management and maintenance of the Keep with the management and maintenance of the adjacent Bishop's Palace. Farnham Castle already has permanently employed staff, onsite, who can operate and manage the Keep, removing the need for English Heritage staff. This will require some changes to operational procedures, however English Heritage agree in principle with these changes and are supporting this application. The project will greatly increase the number of days ( from 40 to 300 days) and opening hours (from 4hrs per day to 8) that the historic Keep is open to the public. Entry will become free of charge. The project will change the Keep to a semi-manned site. The project will also complete the outstanding repair and conservation work to the Curtain wall, Gatehouse and Bishops Palace. 1. Improved health and safety measures for the Keep to deal with the issues outlined in the attached health & Safety report. 2. CCTV monitoring of the Keep to the Palace reception 3. Essential stonework repairs to the Keep 4. Improved signage and schools material to explain the site to visitors 6. The provision of toilet and other facilities for visitors to the Keep 7. The completion of repair and conservation work to the curtain wall, gatehouse and Bishop's Palace