My name is Kaitlen Elaine, and I am an international master’s student at the University of Nottingham. I am studying International Media and Communications, which involves extensive coursework on the United Kingdom’s cultural and creative industries. While I’ve always been interested in England’s heritage sector, I am grateful that I’ve received the opportunity to gain practical experience at the site of one of England’s most important medieval castles. 

Working at Nottingham Castle 

My role in the museum and art galleries encompasses various responsibilities, including serving as a heritage visitor experience assistant, assisting with cave tours, researching the castle’s alabaster collection, and working in the Brewhouse Yard Museum, which is a small museum below Castle Rock. Each aspect of this position has contributed to my personal and professional growth within this sector and my overall understanding and appreciation for Nottingham’s extensive history. 

Cave Tours 

Nottingham is known as the ‘City of Caves’ and is recognised for its extensive network of man-made caves that date back centuries. These caves hold significant historical importance, especially the cave beneath Nottingham Castle, called Mortimer’s Hole. 

These caves, which are carved into what is known as the ‘goldilocks’ of sandstone–not too soft and not too hard–beneath the city, have served various purposes throughout time, from storage and living spaces to dungeons and air raid shelters during World War II. 

During the cave tours, I assist the main tour guide with audience engagement and aid in the retelling of stories about the castle’s past, such as its role in the English Civil War and its connection to notable figures like Robin Hood and Sherwood Forest. 

Helping with cave tours requires a foundational understanding of the caves' physical layout and their historical context. I have learned to engage visitors by tailoring my communication styles to different age groups and interests. For instance, younger children might enjoy the tale of ‘Mortimer the Fox,’ which is a local fox that lives in the cave, while adults often appreciate more detailed accounts of historical

significance, such as guessing the dates of certain events. This adaptability has improved my public speaking and boosted my confidence in interacting with diverse audiences. 

Working in Heritage Visitor Experience 

In addition to cave tours, I work as a heritage visitor experience assistant in the exhibitions and art galleries throughout the museum. This involves ensuring all visitors have an enjoyable and informative experience while exploring Nottingham Castle. My responsibilities include greeting guests, providing information about exhibits and events, and assisting with any inquiries they may have. 

This role has taught me how to handle challenging situations gracefully, such as addressing visitor complaints or managing large groups of people, while maintaining a positive atmosphere. Moreover, collaborating with other staff members has fostered a sense of teamwork that helps us provide exceptional service. 

However, one of the most challenging things about this position is that I must have a base-level understanding of each exhibition and gallery so that when someone asks a specific question, I should be able to answer it. For example, I need to know where works by Joseph Mallord William Turner are, as his work is commonly sought after by visitors. 

This gets easier over time, but it was initially quite overwhelming! 

Researching the Alabaster Collection 

A part of my work with Nottingham Castle involves researching Nottingham Castle’s alabaster collection, specifically the ‘Three Flawford’s Figures.’ Alabaster is a type of stone that has been used in art and architecture due to its translucence and softness. The castle is home to several unique alabaster artefacts that reflect local craftsmanship and broader artistic trends during different periods. 

My research focused on identifying the origins of these pieces, their historical significance, and artistic styles, as well as taking that information and simplifying it for a younger audience. For this research, I utilised various resources such as academic journals and museum archives, and I found an interesting book that explores Nottingham alabaster and its value in Europe. 

Creating a Scavenger Hunt 

As a part of my research, I developed a young person’s scavenger hunt designed to engage younger audiences with the history of the Three Flawford’s Figures on display at Nottingham Castle. 

The scavenger hunt encourages participants to explore the historical and artistic elements of the Flawford Figures and critically analyse the choices that the artist made when crafting them. 

I aimed to make the activity fun and informative by incorporating interesting facts about each artefact alongside interactive challenges that would keep young visitors engaged throughout their examination. The scavenger hunt not only keeps younger visitors entertained but also fosters a deeper sense of curiosity about art history.

Working in Brewhouse Yard Museum 

Alongside working in the Castle, I also have experience working at the Brewhouse Yard Museum, where I have learned much more about the local heritage. The museum showcases life in Nottingham during different historical periods through engaging exhibits that highlight everyday experiences. 

The Brewhouse Yard Museum is located in 17th-century cottages that experienced a lot of economic ups and downs, urban expansion, and rapid industrial change. The most interesting thing that I’ve learned about the Brewhouse Yard area, which is located below the Castle, is that it was conveniently located outside the jurisdiction of the city’s parishes. This meant that the cottages provided tax-free living and safety for religious non-conformists for some time; however, this also meant that there was a lot of crime as well. 

My role here consists of greeting museum visitors, specifically those who have just finished a cave tour, as the tour ends at the bottom of Castle Rock, where Brewhouse Yard sits, and assisting with short guided overviews of the cottages. It’s interesting to witness firsthand how important storytelling is in museum work, which is a rewarding aspect of this position. 

Working with History 

Working at Nottingham Castle has provided me with experiences that extend far beyond my original expectations. From assisting with medieval cave tours to researching the Castle’s alabaster collection, I have gained practical skills applicable across the heritage sector whilst immersing myself in British culture and Nottingham’s unique heritage. 

This opportunity has nonetheless deepened my passion for continuous learning and my appreciation for history’s complexities, which is an invaluable lesson I will carry forward into future endeavours in the heritage sector.