AN organisation has invested more that £140,000 in a system for conserving historical artefacts at a Ryedale warehouse.

English Heritage has installed a hi-tech electronic storage system at its warehouse in Hemlsley, which will help to preserve more than 430 tonnes of archaeological treasures, including medieval carved stone, 19th century water wheel paddles and a Victorian organ.

The new shelves are arranged in a concertina device, moving back and forth using electric motors. This means that more shelves can be fitted into the warehouse, as there is no need for a walk-way between each shelf.

The warehouse can now store 60 per cent more items, and they have recently taken on more than 100 tonnes of stone from Hadrian’s Wall.

The stone will be kept safe and secure in the warehouse, while allowing scholars from across the world access to the remarkable collection.

English Heritage’s Kevin Booth Senior said: “This system makes much better use of the same space.

“It’s a leap forward in our ability to keep masonry and other items safe and sound while still making them accessible for study. To celebrate the new shelving system, English Heritage is staging free public tours of the warehouse, which is normally off limits to the public, on Wednesday, May 20 at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

On view will be some of the 800,000 objects kept under lock and key, from a medieval water tap adorned with a cockerel to canon balls dating to the English Civil War. English Heritage says that each is an evocative reminder of bygone days with a fascinating story to tell. Further tours take place at the same times on Wednesday, June 24, Friday, July 29, Wednesday, September 23 and Wednesday, October 21.

There is wheelchair access.