WATCH: Northumberland castle packed up ahead of 18-month closure

House steward Nick Lewis carries out one of the many items from Lindisfarne Castle in preparation for a programme of conservation work. Picture by Jane Coltman

However, yesterday, our photographer Jane Coltman paid a visit to take a look at how the packing-up process was going. It was expected to take seven days, with almost 1,000 museum-quality artefacts being removed from the Castle and stored for the duration of the conservation works.

The intricate process was led by the Trust’s conservator, John Wynn Griffiths, and supported by more than 30 staff and volunteers from five other National Trust places.

“Packing and removing the collections from the Castle is a complex and challenging task,” John said. “We will use 130 plastic crates and several of our most fragile pieces will have bespoke containers designed to house them during the move.

“Some of our collection items, such as the 3.5-metre dining table, made of a single sheet of walnut, have never left the Castle since their arrival, so this really is a unique occasion.”

While the Castle will remain closed for the restoration, visitors will still be able to enjoy walks around the gardens and headland as well as the Island’s other attractions.