Colchester Castle is to undergo ‘urgent’ roof repairs thanks to a nearly £1.3m grant from the government.
The works will address long-standing damp issues and repair stonework on the castle’s northwest tower.
The castle walls will also be repointed and restored to protect and enhance the Norman castle for future generations.
It comes thanks to the £1.29m grant awarded to Colchester Museums from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), alongside additional funding from Colchester City Council.
Councillor Lee Scordis, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Environment at Colchester City Council, said: “This funding is a vital investment in one of Colchester’s most treasured landmarks.
“The repairs will not only protect the Castle’s historic fabric but also improve sustainability and ensure it remains a welcoming space for all.”
Works will be delivered by London-based stonework contractor PAYE with the support of Historic England.
The organisation included the castle in its “Heritage at Risk” register in 2023, a list of 159 at-risk historic buildings and sites. It was considered to be at “immediate risk” due to roof drainage issues.
The castle will remain open to the public throughout the works, although the fencing surrounding it will remain in place.
Works are scheduled to begin in January 2026, subject to planning permission being granted.
The project is anticipated to be completed by August 2026.
