Case study
Restoration of a Ruined Castle
Wigmore Castle was one of the last
medieval castles in England that had never
been fully excavated and restored for
viewing by visitors. It had been left to decay
since the 1700s and much of the masonry
has collapsed. In the late 1990’s the privately
owned castle ruins were becoming very
unstable and although quite remote, was
considered dangerous to anyone who might
venture to explore it. English Heritage
intervened on behalf of the Secretary of
State and funded a repair project, on the
understanding that the castle must be
accessible to members of the public.
However, the decision was taken to restore
it in its romantic ruined state, with none of
the usual presentation and access works.
Repairs were limited to essential stabilising
of the remaining masonry and only minimal safety provisions where there were
exposed sheer drops. These included raising the height of some wall remains to
protect sheer drops, or to introduce a few essential barriers. The policy was that
undergrowth of brambles, nettles and thorns would be encouraged to grow in
areas which would be potentially more hazardous, and access encouraged to safe
routes by occasional cutting of the grass.
The only works carried out to provide safe access was a set of timber steps cut into
the steep bank of the hillside leading up to the ruined Keep, as it was considered a
desire line for visitors. The treads of the steps were formed of old railway sleepers
covered with wire netting for grip. A timber hand rail was provided and
intermediate barriers to break up the long flight of steps.
Due to its remoteness in the Welsh borders, the site is not manned by custodians
and visitors must understand that no assistance is available if they need it.
The basis for safety must be an understanding with our visitors that this is a rugged
environment and they must show a substantial degree of responsibility, notwithstanding the extensive safety works which have been carried out to repair
unsafe structures and protect unguarded sheer drops. This principle of shared
responsibility with visitors is in keeping with the Visitor Safety in the Countryside
Group’s “guiding principles”.
To inform visitors arriving at the footpath gate with regard to safety we include a
bold safety message:
FOR YOUR SAFETY: Wigmore Castle has been restored in its romantic
ruined state. The structure has been stabilised and access to sheer drops
minimised. However, visitors are requested to take extreme caution when
exploring the site and to keep to cleared paths and steps. Children must be
kept under close control and not allowed to climb on walls or banks. Stout
footwear is strongly advised.
Extract from Visitor Safety in the Countryside Group's website (VSCG.co.uk)
2004