Sea-spray salt threatens coastline cannons

♦england’s historic cannons are being “lost to the sea” and eroded by salty spray, English Heritage has warned as it launches a fundraising campaign.

The appeal looks to protect four of the cannons in its care: two Second World War anti-aircraft guns at Pendennis Castle, Cornwall, and Dover Castle; as well as two 18th-century cast-iron nine-pounder cannons at Etal Castle, Northumberland.

The organisation says that historic guns along the coastline can corrode 20 times faster than those further inland.

Bethan Stanley, English Heritage senior collections conservator, said: “The care of our cannons is a complex process, and our scientists are at the forefront of research into the most effective treatments.”