Lincoln Castle has been removed from Historic England’s ‘heritage at risk’ register after urgent repairs were made totalling £1.28m.
The site was first placed on the England heritage at risk site due to a period of prolonged wet weather in early 2020 when it was discovered that the grassy embankment beneath the wall on the west side of the castle had started to slip. Surveys revealed that the ground was becoming unstable there and work was needed to reinforce the bank to stop it from deteriorating further.
Thanks to a £1.28m grant from Historic England, work was able to begin 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 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.”
Louise Brennan, Historic England’s Regional Director for the Midlands, says: “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.”
