Charity warns of further falls at Hurst Castle
English Heritage has warned of further collapses at Hurst Castle during the expected severe weather this week.
A 40-metre section of wall from the 19th Century east wing collapsed into the Solent last month.
Experts say the high winds increase the likelihood that further falls may occur.
The warning comes as the charity begins work to stabilise the castle’s east wing.
English Heritage has installed fences around the damaged area, introduced a security team to the site, and is asking the public – for their own safety – not to approach that section of the castle.
Rob Woodside, English Heritage’s Estates Director, said: "This week’s high winds pose a real threat to the sections on either side of the breach which are now unstable as a result of last week’s collapse.
"We are working incredibly hard on our plans to stabilise the wall.
"The first stage is underway and will see the arrival of thousands of tons of shingle over the next two weeks."
On Friday 26 February, a section of the wall on the 19th-century east wing of the castle collapsed, after the sea exposed and undercut its foundations.
English Heritage was days away from commencing a ÂŁ1m programme of works to underpin the east wing of the castle when the collapse occurred.
In recent years, the charity had invested ÂŁ2.25m in a series of conservation projects at the castle including in 2019, an extensive ÂŁ750,000 programme of works to stabilise the foundations of the west wing.
English Heritage says it's "devastated by the damage to Hurst Castle" and says its Chief Executive has already visited the castle. The charity's chairman is also due to visit soon.
English Heritage has reported the matter to the Charity Commission and is undertaking a detailed review to look at what lessons can be learned.