A major embankment stabilisation project has been completed thanks to a £1.28m grant from Historic England.
During a period of prolonged wet weather in early 2020, the grassy embankment beneath the wall on the west side of the castle began to slip. Surveys revealed that the ground was becoming unstable here and work was needed to reinforce the bank and stop it from deteriorating.
Work started in November 2020 to install ground anchors and a reinforced mesh along the embankment, and repair all the retaining walls behind the properties on Union Road. This was completed earlier this year.
To access the funding needed to carry out the work, Lincoln Castle was briefly added to the Historic England’s ‘heritage at risk’ register in 2020, before being removed less than a year later once work had taken place.
Cllr Lindsey Cawrey, executive member for cultural services at Lincolnshire County Council, explains:
“Whilst there never was an immediate threat to the castle walls, we didn’t want the embankment to deteriorate to a point where it could cause an issue to the wall above. This funding from Historic England has allowed us to shore up the bank straight away and stop any deterioration.
“As well as being nationally significant for the part it played in our country’s history, Lincoln Castle continues to be a place of safety for our residents, as many people from across Lincolnshire benefit from the safe, green open space it provides as we recover from the effects of lockdown.
“With any issues about the condition of the embankment now resolved, we’re looking ahead to a year of events that continue to welcome locals and visitors alike to our historic castle.”
Lincoln Castle is one of 27 historic buildings and sites in the East Midlands that have been removed from Historic England’s ‘heritage at risk’ register this year.
Louise Brennan, Historic England’s Regional Director for the Midlands, said:
“Our heritage is an anchor for us all in testing times. Despite the challenges we have all faced recently, this year’s Heritage at Risk Register demonstrates that looking after and investing in our historic places can bring communities together, contribute to the country’s economic recovery and help tackle climate change.
“The 27 buildings and sites saved this year in the East Midlands show what’s possible with strong partnerships, dedicated individuals and funding support. But there is always more to do to give our cherished heritage the attention, investment and secure future it deserves.”