Gemma Lewis
Curator Museum of Archaeology and Biosciences

I have been involved with the project since the very beginning. For 9 years I was the Curator of (Durham Castle and the Museum of Archaeology). I was involved with monitoring the Norman Chapel and working with our Estates & Facilities Department and external specialists to develop the project. I have also been involved in writing the funding and project proposals for the project. My role for those 9 years was very much about keeping momentum and support going for the project.

Although I have now changed roles, I am still involved firstly from an archaeological perspective but as from a support perspective as most of the team haven’t been at the university as long, I can often support if there are questions or queries.

I have been involved with trying to conserve the Norman Chapel for so long, it has become a very personal project. I have watched as we have discovered more and more conservation concerns, but also how the team has grown, and support and understanding has increased.

Now the project is underway, I can still feel the excitement-and trepidation. What archaeology might we discover? What new history will be able tell? There is also the hope. The Normal Chapel is very much at the heart of Durham Castle, and being able to bring it back into full use, without restrictions and to show it to its full potential is truly exciting.

Find out more:

• Norman Chapel Conservation Project
• Museum of Archaeology
• Department of Archaeology