ONCE it was a home from home for kings, queens and princes.

Now this historic corner of one of York's most distinctive buildings has been opened up to public gaze - for the first time in decades.

The task of unbolting the door to the medieval chapel at Clifford's Tower has fallen to history graduate Sarah Robinson, who is set to help visitors explore its fascinating past.

Sarah, 29, from Selby, has landed a permanent role on the English Heritage custodial team at the 13th century tower.

One of her first jobs has been to open up the chapel, which has been off-limits to the public for many decades.

The reopening follows months of work, and is part of a revamp at the site to provide visitors with a more vivid insight into the fortress's turbulent past.

In its heyday the chapel was also used as a royal apartment, and provided regal accommodation for Queen Isabella of France, the notorious "She Wolf" who is believed to have engineered the murder of her husband, King Edward II.

Four colourful new storyboards have also been installed around the tower, describing its construction during the reign of King Henry III, and its role in resisting invading Scots.

Sarah, who graduated from Huddersfield University last year, where she specialised in medieval history, said: "I am absolutely delighted. It's really going to enhance the visitor experience here at Clifford's Tower. It really is something special to see.

"Some of the tower's best surviving medieval architecture can be found inside, such as decorative arcading along the walls. Together with the new interpretation, it's a way of unlocking history and providing a better idea of what life was like here in the past."

Updated: 11:15 Wednesday, February 09, 2005