14
Space just doesn't allow me to cover every
element of the work, but here are a few
personal highlights.
As an early morning starter, I would
often start my day with a series of emails
from researchers Susan and Helen and
scriptwriter Lorraine. This could be quotes from previous Castle inhabitants, documents
unearthed or delightful pictures I'd not seen before. These were fascinating and before I
knew it I'd be drawn into these newly found stories, before realising that I wasn't actually
getting any work done. Our most loved character became the Reverend Henry Richter,
chaplain at Lincoln Castle for 34 years and for whom we have nearly 10,000 journal
entries, full of humanity and a dry sense of humour. Choosing the actor Keith Barron to
voice his words turned out perfectly as he got the feel of this kindly man.
"Found the convict Hassall very discontented...He said that as he had been punished so severely
for such a light offence he would take care that if he was tempted to do wrong again it should be
something very heavy."
January 1851.
Revealing
voices
Favourite pictures that they unearthed had
to be some of the photographs from the
very early 20th century. These show the
Castle in a poor state of repair with trees
sprouting out from every wall and bank.
This gives me much fellow feeling for
an earlier restorer who no doubt had an
equally challenging job finding the money
and delivering the works!
I also have a soft spot for Lady Nicolaa de
la Haye who was constable of the Castle
in 1217 during the Battle of Lincoln Fair.
According to the Chronicle of Richard
of Devizes "...proposing to herself nothing
effeminate, defended the castle like a man".
Brilliant!
Keith Barron recording the words of the Reverend Henry Richter
Lady Nicolaa de la Haye seal
Below; Debtors' Exercise Yard, early 1900s