A new phase of conservation work is set to begin at Peel Castle next week as part of a long-term programme to protect the historic fortress.

The latest £70,000 project will focus on the Barbican wall at the entrance to the castle, with specialist contractors carrying out repairs to the historic masonry.

Work is due to begin on Monday, September 28, with scaffolding to be erected around the entrance area for the duration of the project.

The scheme will include lime mortar repointing and the replacement of weathered sandstone, using traditional conservation techniques and locally sourced materials.

It forms part of ambitious plans by Manx National Heritage (MNH) to conserve the castle’s curtain wall, which stretches for almost one kilometre around St Patrick’s Isle.

The curtain wall is one of the largest and most complex heritage structures in the island and has been the subject of a series of conservation projects.

The latest phase follows work completed earlier this year on the Causeway Wall.

Visitors to St Patrick’s Isle can currently see scaffolding wrapped in yellow mesh along the curtain wall of Peel Castle (Photo - Tom Curphey)
Work at the St Patrick’s Isle castle earlier this year when it was scaffolding wrapped in yellow mesh along the curtain wall (Photo: Tom Curphey) (Media Isle of Man )

That project saw new Manx slate copings installed to help protect the masonry, with the slate sourced from Cringle Quarry.

Salvaged sandstone, gifted by the Dean of Peel Cathedral, was also incorporated into the work, while specialist contractors Grenaby Limeworks carried out lime pointing along the wall.

The use of lime mortar, rather than modern cement, allows historic stonework to breathe and release moisture and is considered more suitable for the exposed coastal environment.

The new Barbican project has been funded through a £70,000 capital projects loan from the Isle of Man Government to Manx National Heritage.

John Paul Walker, historic buildings architect for MNH, said the work was another important stage in protecting the castle.

‘This project represents another important step in safeguarding one of the Isle of Man’s most iconic historic sites against the challenges of time and its exposed coastal setting,’ he said.

‘It has been particularly rewarding to champion local expertise throughout the project by working closely with Manx contractors.

‘We also want people to experience conservation in action. Visitors will be able to watch the work as it happens, learn more about this phase of the project through our interpretation boards, and join a guided tour.’

The work will mean scaffolding is present around the castle entrance while the conservation takes place, although the project is intended to allow visitors to see the work being carried out.

MNH said the latest phase was part of its wider programme to protect the curtain wall and ensure the castle’s historic fabric is preserved for future generations.

Peel Castle is one of the island’s most prominent historic sites, with the remains of the medieval fortress standing on St Patrick’s Isle overlooking Peel.

Peel Castle (Photo: Manx National Heritage)
Peel Castle (Photo: Manx National Heritage) (MNH)

MNH, a registered charity, said it relies on the support of visitors, members, donors and partners to care for the island’s historic places, landscapes and collections.

It added that every visit, membership and donation helps support its conservation work.