Guernsey Museum historic sites curator Helen Glencross. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0832036)

CASTLE CORNET has been revealing more of its secrets.

Its history is being uncovered as two roofs are replaced on the magazines on its east side. Wind, rain and vegetation have left the buildings in need of attention.

Guernsey Museum historic sites curator Helen Glencross said it was a great opportunity to study the site.

‘These buildings have really stood the test of time,’ she said. ‘We have speculated about how the buildings were made up, but not until we take the roof off can we study the history. It’s very exciting.’

The magazines were built after a deadly event.

The keep had been used to store the castle’s gunpowder, but in 1672 it was struck by lightning and exploded. Seven people died and it was decided it would be safer to put the magazines outside the main walls.

Now, under three layers of clay tiles, the roofers have found a thick layer of sand and rubble.

Mrs Glencross believed the design was meant to dull the blast if another accident caused the gunpowder to ignite.

The clay tiles on the roofs were made in Kent and Mrs Glencross said attempts were being made to match them exactly.

‘They will have the same colour and texture,’ she said. ‘They will take time to weather, though.’

Specialists from the north of England have been drafted in for the job.