About

Tamworth Castle perimeter walk (top of the motte) - 21 March 2026, 2.45pm

About the Project
The Unity Shield forms part of Tamworth Castle's Handcrafted Heritage programme, bringing traditional craft into the heart of the community. Developed to strengthen connections across the town following a period of division, the Unity Shield project provided a positive focus through shared making.

Participation
Over 150 residents took part between June and December 2025, including local families, members of Tamworth's African Caribbean community, Sacred Heart Church, people new to the town including individuals seeking asylum, people living with dementia and their carers, and local school children with their families. Workshops were delivered in local spaces and community venues across Tamworth.

Craft and Design
Individual steel elements were hand-forged by participants under the guidance of blacksmiths of Reforged Blacksmiths. Inspired by Tamworth's Saxon heritage as the historic capital of Mercia, the shield incorporates motifs including ravens, serpents, snakes and horses, symbols associated with strength, courage and identity.

Legacy
The Unity Shield will be permanently installed on the perimeter walk at Tamworth Castle and formally unveiled on 21 March 2026, standing as a lasting public artwork celebrating unity, resilience and pride in Tamworth.

Funded by the Community Recovery Fund | Asylum Seeker Dispersal Fund