In The Arch
The wooden blocks used as paving under the arch, were installed with the aim of dampening the sound made by the horses' hooves and coaches when they moved underneath the Governor's sleeping quarters.
They also ensured that people walking through the arch did not have to walk in mud and water.
The wooden cross found in the arch, was made of wood from the forest at Delville, where many South African soldiers lost their lives in the Battle of Delville Wood. As part of the 9th (Scottish) Division, 1 SA Brigade took part in the Somme offensive and in particular the Battles of Trones Wood, Berfnay Wood, Longueval and Delville Wood, at the beginning of July1916.
The SA Brigade was almost entirely eliminated in these battles, lasting from 5‑20 July 1916. After the bloody battle, the brigade had 29 officers and 751 troops remaining out of a total of approximately 4000 that started the battle.
The Well
The well was originally in the centre of the large courtyard inside the Castle, before the dividing wall was built. According to word of mouth, it was the centre spot from where the Castle was measured out. Today we find the well in this small room.
The Granary
The granary is one of the driest rooms in the Castle. Originally it was the governor's granary. It was later used as a gunpowder magazine because the previous gunpowder store had become, too damp.
Today the room houses an archaeological museum. On display is, among others, one of the two lions which were originally seen on the pillars at the entrance to the Castle. Initially it was thought that they were the work of the German sculptor. Anton Anreith. When layers of whitewash had been removed, however, it was found that they were made from baked clay and of, Eastern origin, probably dating back to the 13/1400's.
An example of the archaeological excavations done during the restoration of the Castle found here