CASTLE Drogo at Drewsteignton was this week under the focus of BBC television's 'Time Team.'

Sir Tony Robinson and his crew were at the National Trust property for a special hour-long Time Team programme, which will be transmitted later in the year.  The programme focuses on Castle Drogo's creator Edwin Lutyens and where the castle fits into his work. 

Lutyens was a British architect who is known for imaginatively adapting traditional architectural styles to the requirements of his era.

The castle was designed by Lutyens for Julius Drewe, the founder of Home and Colonial Stores. Building started in 1911 and the castle was completed in 1930.

The Time Team looked at the architecture of the castle and the archive material about its construction as well as talked to Bryher Mason, the National Trust house and collections manager, and learnt about the massive £11 million project that is currently under way to save it from ruin — one of the largest projects ever undertaken by the National Trust.

Claire Bolitho, a spokesperson for the National Trust, said: 'It's suffered major structural problems ever since completion which has resulted in serious leaks and water penetration throughout the building.

'If extensive conservation work was not carried out, the castle would eventually have become inaccessible and this national treasure would have been lost forever.'

Castle Drogo's general manager Heather Kay said of the visit of the Time Team team: 'Castle Drogo is such a fascinating property and we are starting one of the most ambitious conservation projects the National Trust has ever embarked.

'We are delighted the team from BBC Time Team have taken such a huge interest in not only the history of Lutyens and his special castle but also the amazing project we are undertaking to save it from certain ruin.'