Consultancies and Feasibility Studies

Opening Doors to History

Full-time Church Tourism Consultant to the Diocese of Lincoln (1989-91) 

Historical Tourism Consultant to  

  • the City of York 
  • Denbighshire County Council 
  • Scottish Borders Council 
  • Pembroke Castle Trust 

“Making the Most of Rhayader”(1997)

A detailed survey and report on the external appearance of the buildings and other facilities of Rhayader and Cwmdeuddwr, Powys, commissioned by Rhayader 2000 as part of the Market Towns Initiative sponsored by the Development Board for Rural Wales

A Celebration of Timber Buildings in the Old Market Hall, Llanidloes: A new visitor attraction for Llanidloes (1997, updated 2001 and 2002)

An investigation of a new use for a redundant historic building, for the Community Department of Powys County Council and Llanidloes Town Council. Implementation completed, display opened July 2003

Picton Castle, Pembrokeshire: Preliminary visual study of early decorative finishes (2000)

With suggestions for authentic redecoration schemes. For the Garner Southall Partnership.

Nantclwyd House, Ruthin: A Way Forward (2001, updated 2002/3)

Detailed suggestions for the interpretation and public opening of a large multi-period timber-framed town house and its grounds, for Denbighshire County Council. Suggestions adopted in full. Work on main house completed, June 2007

Dolmynach House, Rhayader: The Problem, a Scheme for Development, and some alternative options (2002 updated 2003)

A report on a Victorian town house and its unusual contents, for Powys County Council.

An Unappreciated Treasure: Enhancing the experience of visiting St.Asaph Cathedral (2002-3)

Detailed report and suggestions concerning tourism aspects of this cathedral. For Denbighshire County Council and the Dean and Chapter of St.Asaph. Many suggestions implemented.

The Tudor Merchants House, Tenby (2008)

Suggested presentation strategy and detailed proposal for recreation of period interiors, for the National Trust. First phase of suggested work completed, 2011;second phase completed 2012

Re-dressing the Great Hall of Caerphilly Castle (2015-6)

Proposals, specifications and costings for re-dressing the great hall with hangings and furniture and painting existing screen, for Cadw 2016: work ongoing at 2025.

Reviewing, fact checking and contributing to

 Caernarfon Castle, Kings Tower ceiling project [for Cadw 2021]; ditto Caernarfon Castle Porth Mawr audio tour scripts and visuals [for Hotrod Creations/Cadw 2022-24]; ditto Conwy Castle audio tour scripts and visuals [for Hotrod Creations/Cadw, ongoing 2025] 

Adviser and member of the scientific committee

For new interpretation of ‘Walraversijde 1465’ for Province of West Flanders, 2023—ongoing.

Get in touch

For an absolutely free, entirely no-obligation initial consultation. This could be by email, telephone, Zoom or similar, or in person (travel expenses due if applicable) Please outline as clearly as possible what you’d like to do. I’ve rarely refused a challenge, but if I can't help you, I'll say so. I'd be delighted to hear from you anyway. But please have a look at this website first.

Dr Charles Kightly F.S.A