Royal Opening for Clitheroe Castle Museum

His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester toured the site today (Tuesday, June 23) and unveiled two plaques at the museum entrance and creative activity space.

He was welcomed by Ribble Valley Mayor Beverley Jones, Ribble Valley Borough Council Chief Executive Marshal Scott and Peter Robinson DL, Chairman of the Clitheroe Castle Trustees.

The museum complex opened to the public last month after a two-year refurbishment funded by Ribble Valley Borough Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund, SITA Trust, North West Development Agency and several private sector partners.

The refurbishment features a glass atrium linking the museum and North West Sound Archives on two levels, a café, exhibition space, interactive display facilities, education suite and several multi-media exhibitions depicting the history of Ribble Valley.

The Duke of Gloucester has a keen interest in architecture and is a corporate member of the Royal Institute of British Architects. He holds office in numerous heritage organisations, including President of the Society of the Architect-Artists, Commissioner of the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England (English Heritage) and Fellow of the Institute of Clerks of Works for Great Britain Incorporated.

He is also Patron of the International Council of Monuments and Sites UK Committee, the British Association of Friends of Museums and the Construction Industry Trust for Youth.

Clitheroe Castle has dominated the Ribble Valley skyline since its construction in the 12th Century by Robert de Lacy to protect the administrative centre of his vast estates.

The Clitheroe Castle Museum Complex is owned by Ribble Valley Borough Council and run by Lancashire County Council's museum service. It is open from 11am to 5pm daily throughout the summer.

Ends.

Ref: PR2309.

Date: June 23 2009.