A Day in the Life of a Castle Steward

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to look after a castle?

My name is David, and as well as being an author, I’m a castle steward. My job is to care for the castle and welcome visitors from all over the world.

The castle I look after (Elcho Castle) was built 500 years ago and lies deep in the countryside, near a bend in the river. My day begins with opening the great oak door. The key is large and heavy… CLUNK. Sometimes the lock is stiff and takes a lot of turning…. CLUNK CLUNK CLICK. The door creaks open, the noise echoing around the stone walls inside.

Next, I switch on the lights. The fuse box is in the darkest part of the castle. I have to creep along a dark, dank corridor with only a torch for company.

I open the castle gate at 10 am sharp. You’d think it would be time for a sit down and a cup of tea, but no, because there is no shortage of jobs to be done. Lots of sweeping for a start, especially the winding spiral stairs. Sometimes, as I sweep the great hall, I imagine I’m a servant from centuries ago, watching the lord and lady hurry past in their fine clothes.

The castle is also home to many bats, mainly pipistrelles and brown long-eared bats, which roost in the rafters. Although they are tiny, a single bat can eat thousands of midges every night! Bats are protected by law, so I must be very careful to never disturb them.

Before long, visitors arrive – couples, families, cyclists, and people from many different countries. I give them a map and a few tips so they don’t get lost among the staircases and corridors.

The castle is surrounded by countryside, so wildlife is everywhere. Marsh harriers hunt near the river. In spring, lambs sometimes get stuck in fences and need a helping hand. Birds occasionally fly into the castle and can’t find their way out. I once discovered a young barn owl perched on a windowsill. I’ve also helped injured bats, carefully placing them in a special box until the bat rescue charity arrives to pick them up.

I often give guided tours, telling stories and answering questions about the history of the castle. One of my favourites is explaining why oyster shells poke out from between the stones; they were used by the original stonemasons to pin the stones in place. Back then, oysters were an everyday food.

At lunchtime, I sit in the castle orchard, keeping an eye on the fruit trees. Later, children play hide and seek and dress up as knights and ladies.

When the lights go out and the great door closes with a final CLUNK, the castle settles back into its centuries-old silence. And tomorrow morning, I’ll be back to wake it all up again.

Read David's brilliant book, Where's Dragon in His Castle.