Bader College and Herstmonceux Castle Estate are pleased to announce that the necessary conservation and restoration work on the south wing of the castle is progressing on schedule and remains on track for completion by mid-October 2025.
The scaffolding has been removed from the gatehouse, revealing the beautifully rebuilt parapet walls surrounding the upper parts of the south wing gatehouse. The completed works include replacement stone corbels and meticulously reconstructed brickwork.
“This work was carried out skilfully by several dedicated teams, and we are very happy with the progress of the restoration,” says Matthew Evans, Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic). “Their careful work ensures the long-term preservation of Herstmonceux Castle, allowing us to move forward with the return of educational programming, conferences, and events.”
The project team, led by main contractors Valley Builders and working alongside specialist craftspeople from Archer Stone Restoration, is now coordinating the remaining works. These essential final stages include isolated repointing to the historic brickwork, renewal of asphalt roof coverings to the gatehouse, isolated roof tile replacements, and the installation of new rainwater goods.
“We are delighted to see this critical phase of the project completed and the historic fabric of the gatehouse so expertly conserved,” said Michael Doherty, Partner at Gould Baxter Architects and Surveyors. “With the scaffold also removed from the east and west parts of the south elevation, the extensive and careful crack repairs are now obvious. This marks a major step forward and allows the public to begin appreciating the scale and quality of the work undertaken.”
Scholars and visitors to the estate will soon have an unobstructed view of the entire south elevation and can also look forward to a forthcoming exhibition in the castle grounds, which will tell the story of the repairs, from initial assessment through to the intricate conservation techniques employed to preserve the historic building.