A LANDSCAPING firm chosen to transform the grounds of a historic castle is to be shadowed by an archaeologist in case its workers uncover any centuries-old artefacts.

Green services provider Glendale has been selected to restore grounds at Lincoln Castle as part of a £22 million renovation programme.

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The project is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, to bring William the Conqueror’s fortress back to life.

Chorley-based Glendale’s groundwork is the final stage in the three-year Lincoln Castle Revealed project being delivered by Lincolnshire County Council, to coincide with the 800th anniversary of the sealing of Magna Carta this year.

The closed castle will re-open its gates on April 1 and Glendale has just five weeks to deliver the £25,000 programme of work, which involves using specialist diggers and equipment to excavate shrubs and roots from around the castle’s perimeter.

It will also return the excavated shrub areas to turf, import fresh topsoil, and remove old benches, footpaths and stone walls.

The wider project has involved opening the castle’s prison, building visitor facilities, and the creation of an underground vault which will house Lincoln’s Magna Carta, one of only four surviving original copies of the priceless document which launched parliamentary democracy in England.

Andrew Trott, contract manager at Glendale, said: “We’re thrilled to be involved with such a prestigious and unusual programme of work.

“We’ve even been told we may need to be accompanied by an archaeologist while we carry out the work in case we uncover any historic artefacts.”

“This is certainly the oldest and most high-profile site ever we’ve worked on. It’s a varied job which will require an intricate attention to detail.

“It’s a busy site with a tight timescale, so it will be a challenging but rewarding project.”

Lincoln Castle dates back to 1068 and was one of several castles built by William the Conqueror following his victory at the Battle of Hastings.

Glendale, based at Duxbury Park in Chorley, is celebrating 25 years in business this year.