A Cumbrian castle is at risk of being lost forever, a leading conservation organisation has warned.
English Heritage says six of England’s most important castles, including Piel Castle, are in danger of a result of accelerating coastal erosion. It has launched a fundraising appeal to save them.
Piel Castle is on a low-lying island around half a mile from the coast. Built in the 14th century, Piel Castle was built to guard Barrow-in-Furness against pirates and Scots raiders.
The castle’s keep and bastions are at risk from erosion and flooding due to rising sea levels. Much of the surrounding island has already been lost and some of the castle fell into the sea in the 19th century. More recently, the sea banks and gabion sea defences have been undermined due to coastal erosion.
It said £25,000 could repair the sea banks and defences, preventing further erosion.
English Heritage estates director Rob Woodside said: “Erosion along England’s coastline is nothing new but the rate of land loss that we have seen over the past few years is alarming, and some scenarios indicate that sea levels could increase by up to a metre by the end of the century. To give this some context, last century sea levels rose by 14cm along the southern coast of England.
“If these coastal properties are to survive the coming decades, we will need to strengthen their walls and build sea defences to protect them. It is for this reason that we are launching a public appeal to raise funds for this vital conservation work.”
The other castles identified by English Heritage are:
- Tintagel Castle, Cornwall
- Bayard’s Cove Fort, Devon
- Garrison Walls, Scilly
- Hurst Castle, Hampshire
- Calshot Castle, Hampshire
To support the appeal, visit https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/support-us/our-appeals/coast
