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Thirlwall Castle is a spectacular 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. Disused by the mid 17th century the castle became a ruin in the mid 18th century, but the Roman stones, with tails embedded up to 400mm, ensured the survival of most of the walls. We took the professional lead in the conservation of this important monument, including preparing condition reports, conservation and access plans, and providing full architectural services for the HLF, EH and European grant aided project to restore it as a visitor attraction. A key feature of the project was researching and designing means of integrating natural and built heritage aspects, so that communites of swifts, bats, rare lichens and wall plants living in the ruins could be preserved. The conservation works also included researching and restoring lost features to provide structural support, grouting, repointing and innovative 'soft top' wallhead treatments to preserve the natural appearance of the monument. It is now visited by many schools and walkers, and we have advised on long term maintenance. The project won a Civic Trust Commendation.
