An Eden castle – dating back to 1485 – has been taken off the at risk register.
Kirkoswald Castle, at the edge of the village, is a significant Medieval monument with a complex history. The castle was surveyed by Historic England in 2004 and highlighted as at risk.
The North Pennines AONB Partnership undertook work on the remaining tower of the castle as part of the Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme, a major project funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and led by the North Pennines AONB Partnership in a special part of the north-west of England.
The consolidation work on the castle started in April 2021 with heritage building specialists, Stone Technical Services, working alongside Mosedale Gillatt Architects.
Stonemason Brian Ellison said: “This was worse than what we thought. The weather has not been kind to this, it’s been left for so long. We have done as much, if not more, than what we originally set out to do, once the scaffolding was up, making sure we did the best for the building. That’s what we need to do to preserve the building for another 100 years.”
The castle had been robbed of stone for use in other buildings in Kirkoswald and further north at Naworth Castle, and the remaining south-east and south-west towers had fallen, with only footings and ground level chambers remaining.
Consolidation work was completed in June 2021.
Tamsin Cooke, of Historic England, said: “We’re delighted that Kirkoswald Castle’s impressive red sandstone tower has been repaired thanks to the Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme, a project celebrating the natural and cultural heritage of the North Pennines.
The lime mortar holding together the stonework has been repaired and replaced, and damaging tree roots and vegetation have been removed so that it will stay standing for many years to come, and can now be removed from our Heritage at Risk Register.”
Fiona Knox, Fellfoot Forward scheme manager, added: “No one had realised just how precarious the state of Kirkoswald castle tower was until the scaffolding went up and the stonemason had a first look.
“It has been incredibly satisfying working with the support of the landowners, the Littletons, the architects, stonemasons, and ecologist to see the tower stabilised for the next 100 years.
“This remaining tower of four, nestled in the beautiful, wooded setting of this square moated site, has always been a draw to local people and visitors, and is an integral part of the Eden Valley history. In the near future, low key interpretation will help visitors connect with this nationally important scheduled monument.”
David Renwick, director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Ensuring that heritage at risk is conserved and saved for future generations is a key priority for us at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and we’re thrilled to have supported the vital repair works to Kirkoswald Castle. It is fantastic news that the castle can now be removed from the Heritage at Risk register and that our funding has ensured the preservation of this important local landmark, and will afford visitors from the local community and further afield to explore and celebrate their heritage for years to come.”
