Concerns over falling masonry close castle

The Norman keep in Canterbury is closed after the city council ruled the crumbling structure is unsafe.

The authority placed a notice at the entrance stating that the closure is due to “falling masonary [sic]” and has erected temporary metal fencing around it.

Admitting the decision was “difficult”, building and maintenance manager Dan Stone said: “We did so because lumps of masonry are falling to the ground and pose a danger to visitors who may be underneath. Some of the paths are also quite hazardous.

“Initially, we just fenced off the castle itself and left the grounds open to visitors. However, after people tried to get in by breaking open the fences, as well as attempts to steal the fences and some incidents of antisocial behaviour, we decided to close the grounds too.

“We realise how important the castle is to the city’s heritage and are determined to do all we can to preserve it. We are procuring a specialist stone-by-stone survey so we know exactly what work needs to be done, how much it will cost and when it should be completed.”

The stone keep is among the most important historical buildings in Canterbury and dates to the years after the Norman Conquest of England.

It was built during the reign of Henry I between 1100 and 1135. It was one of three royal castles in Kent, the other two being Dover and Rochester.

In recent years, the castle has served as the starting point for the Naked Bike Ride in Canterbury. The council made an exception to reopen the grounds for a single day for this year’s ride through the city on May 27. Tilly is a fine-looking trailhound looking for patient and understanding new owners who have time to settle her in.

The four-year-old initially lacks confidence around people and would be best-suited to a calm, predictable new home.

But once she has established a relationship, she enjoys being made a fuss of.

Currently in the care of the Dogs Trust Canterbury, staff say she can live with teenagers over the age of 16 and possibly another calm dog.

The charity’s training and behaviour team will be on hand to provide support with managing Tilly in a new home, if necessary.

For more information about Tilly and other dogs needing new homes, call 01227 792505.

The cathedral

Today (Thursday): Morning Prayer, 7.30am; Holy Communion, 8am and 12.30pm; Evensong, 5.30pm. Friday: Morning Prayer, 7.30am; Holy Communion, 8am; Sacrament of Reconciliation (until 1pm), noon; Evensong, 5.30pm. Saturday: Holy Communion, 8am; Morning Prayer, 9.30am; Holy Matrimony, 11.30am; Evensong, 3.15pm. Sunday: Holy Communion, 8am; Morning Prayer, 9.30am; Sung Eucharist, 11am; Evensong, 3.15pm; Sermon and Compline, 6.30pm. For information about services in other churches in Canterbury, contact the Canterbury Churches Information Service on 01227 761374.

Local walks

For walks in the White Cliffs Walking Festival, which starts tomorrow (Thursday) see page 14 of What’s On. TODAY (Wednesday) 3-4 miles – starting at 10.30am from the Gorrell Tank car park, Whitstable: East Kent Rambling Club. 4-5 miles – starting at 10.30am from the Castle Inn, Oare: East Kent Rambling Club. 11 miles – starting at 10am from King’s Wood, Challock: East Kent Rambling Club. SATURDAY Six miles – starting at 2pm from outside the Ocean Inn, Dymchurch Road, Dymchurch: Romney Marsh Countryside Partnership. SUNDAY 11 miles – starting at 10am from Wye village car park, lunch stop at Bodsham: East Kent Rambling Club.