Cadw - Key keeper sought for historic Newcastle 23/06/2011

Key keeper sought for historic Newcastle
23/06/2011

Newcastle, near Bridgend, with its far-reaching views over the historic town of Bridgend, is seeking a dedicated key keeper with responsibility for checking the monument on a daily basis and keeping it free of litter.

The post, for which a modest fee is paid involves reporting any damage or vandalism to Cadw and notifying police of any undesirable person or activities at the site. Together with litter picking, the key keeper will keep a day to day eye on the condition of the monument. The key keeper will be provided with a full list of contacts and out of hours contacts.

Established in the early 1100s by Robert Fitz Hamo, first Norman lord of Glamorgan, Newcastle, like its neighbouring castles of Ogmore and Coity, it was initially constructed of earth and timber.   It was not until the early twelfth century that it was rebuilt in stone.  In later years these great fortresses with curtain walls and towers of stone became the sheet anchors of conquest as native Welsh leaders found it increasingly difficult to reverse the overwhelming tide of the Norman advance.

The site appears to have been refortified by Henry II in the 1180s, as indicated by the exceptional quality of the masonry and its most outstanding feature is its complete Norman doorway.

Jayne Rowlands, Cadw's Head of Visitor & Business Services, said, 'Newcastle, is an open monument and is open to visitors without charge. The key keeper has a vital local role to play in ensuring the site is always well presented and looking at its best for our visitors. It would be an ideal opportunity for someone who is interested in caring for a truly attractive monument and who would take pride caring for Newcastle’s heritage.' 

If you think you can meet this challenge, please send full details of recent and relevant experience to Jill Brinkworth, Visitor and Business Services, Cadw, Plas Carew, Unit 5/7 Cefn Coed, Parc Nantgarw, Cardiff CF15 7QQ. Tel:O1443 336101

via cadw.wales.gov.uk