Munters has installed dehumidifiers in archive rooms at Belvoir Castle, Rutland, UK, to protect the family’s historical records from deterioration and moisture damage in the castle’s archive rooms. These rooms house a vast collection of books, documents, maps, manuscripts, and estate management records, with the oldest document dating back to 1103. However, the passage of time has taken its toll on many of these documents, and humidity and moisture have caused visible damage such as mould growth, yellowing, and discolouration.
Recognising the need to protect these irreplaceable records, Belvoir Castle previously tried commercial dehumidifiers with little success. Munters was then selected to design a dehumidification solution tailored to the challenges of Belvoir Castle.
“You can see why an industrial solution is needed. Due to the thickness of the castle walls, having one dehumidifier in each of the archive rooms is essential,” said the 11th Duke of Rutland, David Manners.
Each of the five dehumidifiers installed was selected to maintain consistent relative humidity levels of 50-55% RH, preventing further damage and ensuring the long-term preservation. This solution meets the British Standard BS4971 for conservation in archives, as well as reducing the need for additional heating, which in turn saves energy.
This project has been a testament to the importance of preserving history. By safeguarding the Duke of Rutland’s family archives, Munters is helping to ensure that these invaluable records can be enjoyed by future generations.