New Bamburgh Castle Museum interpretations
The Armstrong and Aviation Museum, housed at Bamburgh Castle, will be refreshed with updated artefact interpretations and other works
Situated in the grounds of Bamburgh Castle – an imposing fortress on the Northumberland coastline that boasted considerable influence during the Anglo-saxon period – the Armstrong and Aviation Museum is a comparatively new addition that predominantly houses artefacts from the 19th century and two World Wars. The Victorian-era objects within were the inventions of the castle’s former owner, Lord William Armstrong (1810 – 1900), while several of the First and Second World War items have a close association with his name.
Established in a laundry building that was constructed in 1897, the museum is currently undergoing significant redevelopment to revitalise its incredible legacy. This will include the installation of detailed artefact interpretations, shedding greater light on the likes of the Armstrong No. 1 Gun Model – a powerful and accurate field artillery piece of the mid1800s – and two FR9 Gloster Meteor cockpit canopies, which belonged to Britain’s first jet fighter but, upon their discovery, had been used as tractor canopies in North Northumberland. Furthermore, roof works, drainage, woodwork and internal improvements will enable Bamburgh Castle ticketholders to see the many historical layers of the property afresh.
Lisa Waters, collections and conservation manager at Bamburgh Castle, said: “From serving as the epicentre for England and the Kingdom of Northumbria to remaining steadfast amid the Anglo-scottish Wars, from sustaining damage in the Wars of the Roses to hosting the genius 19th-century wartime inventor Lord Armstrong, Bamburgh Castle has played a crucial role in the making of Britain. We’re excited to further highlight its story with the new work being carried out at the Armstrong and Aviation Museum in the coming months.”