INNOVATIVE WATER-POWERED MOBILE PHONE CHARGERS NOW IN USE

Warwick Castle now ensures that visitors to Britain’s Ultimate Castle stay fully charged and in touch with friends and family throughout their fun-packed day out. The Castle has installed three free to use, state-of-the-art mobile phone chargers designed especially for its 600-year old water mill, powered solely by the waters of the River Avon that thunder round the waterwheel.

The three custom-made chargers have been installed in the Engine Room of The Mill and are powered by electricity generated by the waterwheel. The service is free to visitors and the environmentally-sound chargers take no longer than a standard device. Visitors can see the waterwheel in operation and learn how the Mill used to grind flour for centuries before being converted to generate electricity and pump water.

Warwick Castle General Manager, Tim Harrison-Jones said: “The specially-designed water-powered mobile phone chargers continue our tradition of innovation, as the Earl of Warwick installed one of Britain’s first hydro-powered electricity generators here in 1894. The Mill remains an integral part of Warwick Castle and we’re proud of the fully operational water wheel, water pump and generators that now offer an environmentally-sound way for visitors to recharge their mobiles. ”

Records show there has been a water mill at Warwick Castle since the 11th century. In the 14th century a wooden structure was constructed in which flour was ground and this was replaced by the current stone structure in the late 1700s. Damaged by fire in 1880 the site lay unused until 1894 when the latest technology was installed to create one of the country’s first hydro-powered electricity generators upon which the Castle depended for power until mains electricity was installed in 1940. Ten years ago, The Mill opened to the public for the first time and now, once again harnessing innovative technology, the mobile phone chargers ensure visitors are able to keep in touch as they explore the Castle and its 60-acre grounds.

Book online 48 hours in advance to save 20% off admission fees: purchase a Warwick Castle Kingdom Ticket for entrance to Warwick Castle, The Castle Dungeon (over 10s only) and Merlin: The Dragon Tower for adults from £24.41; children aged 4-11 years £20.64.