Duke of Gloucester visits Oakham Castle to inspect restoration works and see horseshoe he hung in 1977 on whistle-stop tour of Rutland

On his trip to Rutland today (Wednesday, November 20), His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester had the opportunity to inspect the restoration works that have recently been carried out at Oakham Castle and revisit his traditional horseshoe.

Oakham Castle was the third stop on the Duke's whistle-stop tour of the county. Beforehand, he had visited Rutland Showground and The King Centre in Barleythorpe.

The castle dates back 800 years and has welcomed more than 60,000 visitors in the past 12 months.

His Royal Highness last visited the castle in 1977 when he donated his commemorative horseshoe, one of more than 230 horseshoes that hangs on the walls of the Great Hall, which date back to the 15th century.

During his visit the Duke was pleased to see his horseshoe which had been placed next to his fathers.

His Royal Highness was shown the area in Oakham Castle that is Britain's longest running court and was particularly interested in the dock where the prisoners stand.

The Duke also took an interest in the portraits on the castle walls which included his relatives who were once Lord of the Manor.

James Bolton, who has been volunteering at the castle for four years, said: "It was very interesting, it's always an honour to be presented to a member of royalty."

He added: "It was excellent, there was a certain amount of anticipation but no nervousness."

James, 78, said: "He asked how long I have been volunteering here for and how often I come in."

"He asked one of the ladies if the castle has been attacked before and of course it was attacked by Oliver Cromwell", added James.

Over the past three years Oakham Castle has been restored with help from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Jim Harker, the deputy chair of the heritage lottery fund for the West and Midlands area, said: "He was interested in the way the lottery worked with heritage projects."

"It was a very good opportunity for people like myself to promote the National Lottery Heritage Fund."

Jim, who lives in Geddington, said: "He was interested in the castle as he's an architect by trade so is interested in heritage."

After visiting the castle His Royal Highness journeyed to Rutland County Museum, before travelling by train back to London.

Click here to read more on the Heritage Lottery Fund grant that Oakham Castle won