Solent landmark partially collapses
Hurst Castle, one of the Solent’s best known landmarks, has partially collapsed. A 38-metre section of the east wing wall has crumbled after the sea exposed and undercut its foundations. Located on a shingle spit, the coastal fort, which overlooks the Hurst Narrows, faces the full force of the wind and waves.
Owners English Heritage spent £750,000 on stabilising the foundations of the west wing and reinforcing its sea defences in 2019. It was due to start work to underpin the east wing of the castle before a storm on 23 February 2021 resulted in the collapse. No one was injured in the incident. English Heritage’s engineering team is now working to stabilise the surrounding masonry before plans are drawn up for remedial repairs.