The future of Canterbury Castle as scaffolding appears around the landmark
If you’re a history buff, there are few better places to explore in Kent than Canterbury. With stunning monuments, monuments and attractions to be found around every corner, it is a city that has a lot to offer history lovers.
However, one of the city’s iconic landmarks has been closed from the public for some time now, and currently looks rather different. Some may not realize that Canterbury has its own castle, and more precisely, the ruins of one.
Dating back to the 11th century, this crumbling landmark is one of the three original royal castles in Kent, the other two being Rochester Castle and Dover Castle. The dilapidated castle was acquired by the Canterbury City Council (CCC) in 1928, and has been closed to the public since 2018 due to falling construction work.
Read more: Kent sees biggest house price rise in 23 years
Read more: Wing and sport restaurant opens in the former Kent Yew area! Sushi
Passing through the ruins now, you’ll see that Canterbury Castle is completely covered in scaffolding, as works work to bring the landmark back into public use. Find out exactly what’s going on in the castle below.
As part of the CCC’s successful Leveling Up Fund bid, which has seen the council award more than £19 million to help deliver a wide-ranging improvement to the town, it is planned to reopen the castle once again.
(Image: Kent Live)The first step to achieving this goal is to conduct a stone-by-stone survey of the teacher.
(Image: Kent Live)This survey will reveal the condition of the walls and will be used as a basis for restoration works expected to take place in the second half of 2024, should the council secure a contractor to carry them out.
(Image: Kent Live)Once completed, the castle will once again be safe for residents and visitors to explore, and access to both the castle and its grounds will be improved.
(Image: Kent Live)Canterbury Castle before scaffolding. The landmark was closed to the public in 2018 due to… Building fall.
(Image: Kent Live)Cabinet member for heritage, Charlotte Cornell, said: “IIt is important that we understand exactly what condition the castle is in at the moment and can plan improvement works accordingly. Throughout this we will be working closely with Historic England and drawing on their specialist knowledge to ensure we get the best results.”
(Image: Kent Live)Other areas of Canterbury to be improved through the Leveling Up Fund include St George’s Street, Canterbury Bus Station and Dane John Gardens along with the creation of ‘story gardens’, new cycle routes and routes around the city. Works on the castle are expected to be completed in 2024.
(Image: Kent Live)Proposed improvements to the castle grounds.
(Photo: Canterbury City Council)