 |
|
Thirlwall Castle
 |
Thirlwall Castle, near the village of Greenhead in Northumberland, is a picturesque ruin set on a spur overlooking the Tipault Burn in the outstanding landscape of the Northumberland National Park. Close to Hadrian's Wall, Britain's most important Roman monument, the castle was constructed in the fourteenth century by John de Thirlwall using stones 'robbed' from the Roman wall and nearby milecastle. It was disused by the mid C17, and became a ruin over the next hundred years.The ruined castle provides a physical link with the two most important historical periods in the North of England: the Roman occupation (c.54-409) and the Border wars between England and Scotland (c.1296-1545). In addition to being a significant part of Northumberland's cultural heritage and part of the Hadrian's Wall UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is located in an area important for tourism, on the Pennine Way and Hadrian's Wall long distance walking routes. It is also ecologically significant as a wildlife habitat and a geological Site of Special Scientific Interest. The castle has been a ruin for some 300 years, subjected to ground movements, stone robbing, progressive decay and erosion by the elements, and the effects of uncontrolled vegetation. It survival is directly attributable to its massive stone construction and the Roman stones used, which have tails embedded up to 400mm into the wall core.
Robin Kent Architecture & Conservation provided the professional lead for the conservation of the castle, including preparing a condition report, conservation plan and access audit, taking the lead in a range of other investigations to inform the proposals, and providing full architectural services for consolidating and restoring it as a visitor attraction. A key feature of the project was researching and designing methods of integrating natural and built heritage aspects, so that communites of Swifts, bats, and rare lichens and wall plants could be preserved. The conservation work also included researching and restoring a lost window opening and various sections of walling to provide structural support in a harmonious way, as well as grouting, repointing using lime based mortars, and innovative 'soft' wallhead treatments using the original vegetation to preserve the natural appearance of the monument. It is visited by many schools and walkers, and Robin Kent Architecture & Conservation has returned to carry out a quinquennial inspection and advise on long term maintenance. The project won a Civic Trust Commendation. Examples of major interventions:
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
To link to the Northumberland National Park's website click here.