The ancient ruins of Tutbury Castle had high hopes of opening a new museum in October 1980. Museum custodian Barry Vallans had already gathered together most of the materials he needed to build the museum including a door from an old Burton church.
Standing in the way of Mr Vallans and the museum plans was the Department of the Environment.
Speaking in 1980, Mr Vallans said: “I plan to build the museum myself and I am set to go when I get the go-ahead. It should have been done at least 30 years ago as there is not much of the monument left and what we have we should make the most of.”
Mr Vallans hoped to try to gather as many items as possible which were used at some time or another over the centuries in the castle. However, he had to admit that the public response to his appeal was “bad”.
He said: “People just haven’t been interested. The response has been rubbish. Some people have come forward with things but have asked for ridiculous prices for them.”
By October 1980, Mr Vallans had already been hard at work digging out a well at the castle.
It was hoped that the well would unearth some artefacts but, after digging to a depth of four feet, the only item present was mud.
Those were the days....
It was estimated another 20 feet of digging would be needed before Mr Vallans and his helper Harry Dunsdon reached the bottom.
Money to pay for the scheme and the potential museum building was coming from Mr Vallans’ pocket.
He said: “I don’t mind paying for it if it is going to be popular with our visitors. If everything goes right and I have the museum completed by next year then we will display the coins we find from the well dig in there too.”
